1
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Miwa T, Ishikawa O, Takeda-Kimura Y, Toyomasu T. Essential residues in diterpene synthases for biosynthesis of oryzalexins A-F in rice phytoalexin. FEBS J 2024; 291:3653-3664. [PMID: 38775146 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17163] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Cultivated rice (Oryza sativa) produces a variety of diterpenoid-type phytoalexins. Diterpene synthase genes that are responsible for the biosynthesis of momilactones, phytocassanes, and oryzalexins have been identified in O. sativa cv. Nipponbare. OsKSL10 (Os12t0491800 in RAP and LOC_Os12g30824 in MSU) was previously identified as an enzyme catalyzing the conversion of ent-copalyl diphosphate to ent-sandaracopimaradiene for the production of oryzalexins A to F. Our previous study on Oryza rufipogon, a wild progenitor of Asian cultivated rice, showed that both OrKSL10 and OrKSL10ind from O. rufipogon accessions W1943 and W0106, respectively, closely related to the japonica and indica subspecies, converted ent-copalyl diphosphate to ent-miltiradiene. Thus, the functional conversion of ent-miltiradiene synthase into ent-sandaracopimaradiene synthase is implied to have occurred through natural amino acid mutations, the details of which have not been elucidated. In this study, we show that introduction of A654G substitution into OrKSL10 significantly alters its function into more closely resembling that of OsKSL10. Moreover, double substitution V546I/A654G almost completely converts the function of OrKSL10 into that of OsKSL10. On the other hand, the reversed substitution I546V/G654A was insufficient to convert the function of OsKSL10 into OrKSL10, indicating the introduction of additional substitution S522I is required for the functionality of OsKSL10. Lastly, point mutations at the 654A residue in OrKSL10 suggest that hydrophobic side chains at this position have a negative influence on the production of ent-sandaracopimaradiene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Miwa
- Faculty of Agriculture, Yamagata University, Japan
| | - Oto Ishikawa
- Faculty of Agriculture, Yamagata University, Japan
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2
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Srivastava P, Johns ST, Voice A, Morley K, Escorcia AM, Miller DJ, Allemann RK, van der Kamp MW. Simulation-Guided Engineering Enables a Functional Switch in Selinadiene Synthase toward Hydroxylation. ACS Catal 2024; 14:11034-11043. [PMID: 39050902 PMCID: PMC11264211 DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.4c02032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Engineering sesquiterpene synthases to form predefined alternative products is a major challenge due to their diversity in cyclization mechanisms and our limited understanding of how amino acid changes affect the steering of these mechanisms. Here, we use a combination of atomistic simulation and site-directed mutagenesis to engineer a selina-4(15),7(11)-diene synthase (SdS) such that its final reactive carbocation is quenched by trapped active site water, resulting in the formation of a complex hydroxylated sesquiterpene (selin-7(11)-en-4-ol). Initially, the SdS G305E variant produced 20% selin-7(11)-en-4-ol. As suggested by modeling of the enzyme-carbocation complex, selin-7(11)-en-4-ol production could be further improved by varying the pH, resulting in selin-7(11)-en-4-ol becoming the major product (48%) at pH 6.0. We incorporated the SdS G305E variant along with genes from the mevalonate pathway into bacterial BL21(DE3) cells and demonstrated the production of selin-7(11)-en-4-ol at a scale of 10 mg/L in batch fermentation. These results highlight opportunities for the simulation-guided engineering of terpene synthases to produce predefined complex hydroxylated sesquiterpenes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sam T. Johns
- School
of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, U.K.
| | - Angus Voice
- School
of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, U.K.
| | - Katharine Morley
- School
of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, U.K.
| | - Andrés M. Escorcia
- School
of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, U.K.
| | - David J. Miller
- School
of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, U.K.
| | - Rudolf K. Allemann
- School
of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, U.K.
| | - Marc W. van der Kamp
- School
of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, U.K.
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3
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Abe T, Shiratori H, Kashiwazaki K, Hiasa K, Ueda D, Taniguchi T, Sato H, Abe T, Sato T. Structural-model-based genome mining can efficiently discover novel non-canonical terpene synthases hidden in genomes of diverse species. Chem Sci 2024; 15:10402-10407. [PMID: 38994432 PMCID: PMC11234867 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc01381f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-canonical terpene synthases (TPSs) with primary sequences that are unrecognizable as canonical TPSs have evaded detection by conventional genome mining. This study aimed to prove that novel non-canonical TPSs can be efficiently discovered from proteins, hidden in genome databases, predicted to have 3D structures similar to those of class I TPSs. Six types of non-canonical TPS candidates were detected using this search strategy from 268 genome sequences from actinomycetes. Functional analyses of these candidates revealed that at least three types were novel non-canonical TPSs. We propose classifying the non-canonical TPSs as classes ID, IE, and IF. A hypothetical protein MBB6373681 from Pseudonocardia eucalypti (PeuTPS) was selected as a representative example of class ID TPSs and characterized. PeuTPS was identified as a diterpene synthase that forms a 6/6/6-fused tricyclic gersemiane skeleton. Analyses of PeuTPS variants revealed that amino acid residues within new motifs [D(N/D), ND, and RXXKD] located close to the class I active site in the 3D structure were essential for enzymatic activity. The homologs of non-canonical TPSs found in this study exist in bacteria as well as in fungi, protists, and plants, and the PeuTPS gene is not located near terpene biosynthetic genes in the genome. Therefore, structural-model-based genome mining is an efficient strategy to search for novel non-canonical TPSs that are independent of biological species and biosynthetic gene clusters and will contribute to expanding the structural diversity of terpenoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tohru Abe
- Department of Life and Food Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Niigata University Ikarashi 2-8050, Nishi-ku Niigata 950-2181 Japan
| | - Haruna Shiratori
- Department of Life and Food Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Niigata University Ikarashi 2-8050, Nishi-ku Niigata 950-2181 Japan
| | - Kosuke Kashiwazaki
- Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Niigata University Ikarashi 2-8050, Nishi-ku Niigata 950-2181 Japan
| | - Kazuma Hiasa
- Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi 4-4-37 Takeda Kofu Yamanashi 400-8510 Japan
| | - Daijiro Ueda
- Department of Life and Food Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Niigata University Ikarashi 2-8050, Nishi-ku Niigata 950-2181 Japan
| | - Tohru Taniguchi
- Frontier Research Center for Advanced Material and Life Science, Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University North 21 West 11 Sapporo 001-0021 Japan
| | - Hajime Sato
- Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi 4-4-37 Takeda Kofu Yamanashi 400-8510 Japan
- PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency Kawaguchi Saitama 332-0012 Japan
| | - Takashi Abe
- Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Niigata University Ikarashi 2-8050, Nishi-ku Niigata 950-2181 Japan
| | - Tsutomu Sato
- Department of Life and Food Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Niigata University Ikarashi 2-8050, Nishi-ku Niigata 950-2181 Japan
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4
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Zhang W, Wang X, Zhu G, Zhu B, Peng K, Hsiang T, Zhang L, Liu X. Function Switch of a Fungal Sesterterpene Synthase through Molecular Dynamics Simulation Assisted Alteration of an Aromatic Residue Cluster in the Active Pocket of PfNS. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024:e202406246. [PMID: 38934471 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202406246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Terpene synthases (TPSs) play pivotal roles in generating diverse terpenoids through complex cyclization pathways. Protein engineering of TPSs offers a crucial approach to expanding terpene diversity. However, significant potential remains untapped due to limited understanding of the structure-function relationships of TPSs. In this investigation, using a joint approach of molecular dynamics simulations-assisted engineering and site-directed mutagenesis, we manipulated the aromatic residue cluster (ARC) of a bifunctional terpene synthase (BFTPS), Pestalotiopsis fici nigtetraene synthase (PfNS). This led to the discovery of previously unreported catalytic functions yielding different cyclization patterns of sesterterpenes. Specifically, a quadruple variant (F89A/Y113F/W193L/T194W) completely altered PfNS's function, converting it from producing the bicyclic sesterterpene nigtetraene to the tricyclic ophiobolin F. Additionally, analysis of catalytic profiles by double, triple, and quadruple variants demonstrated that the ARC functions as a switch, unprecedently redirecting the production of 5/11 bicyclic (Type B) sesterterpenes to 5/15 bicyclic (Type A) ones. Molecular dynamics simulations and theozyme calculations further elucidated that, in addition to cation-π interactions, C-H⋅⋅⋅π interactions also play a key role in the cyclization patterns. This study offers a feasible strategy in protein engineering of TPSs for various industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science of Technology, 200237, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinye Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science of Technology, 200237, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Sciences, Ludong University, 264025, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Guoliang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science of Technology, 200237, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science of Technology, 200237, Shanghai, China
| | - Kaitong Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science of Technology, 200237, Shanghai, China
| | - Tom Hsiang
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, N1G 2W1, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lixin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science of Technology, 200237, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueting Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science of Technology, 200237, Shanghai, China
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5
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González Requena V, Srivastava PL, Miller DJ, Allemann RK. Single Point Mutation Abolishes Water Capture in Germacradien-4-ol Synthase. Chembiochem 2024:e202400290. [PMID: 39031755 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202400290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
The high-fidelity sesquiterpene cyclase (-)-germacradien-4-ol synthase (GdolS) converts farnesyl diphosphate into the macrocyclic alcohol (-)-germacradien-4-ol. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to decipher the role of key residues in the water control mechanism. Replacement of Ala176, located in the G1/2 helix, with non-polar aliphatic residues of increasing size (valine, leucine, isoleucine and methionine) resulted in the accumulation of the non-hydroxylated products germacrene A and germacrene D. In contrast, hydroxylation was maintained when the polar residues threonine, glutamine or aspartate replaced Ala176. Additionally, although a contribution of His150 to the nucleophilic water addition could be ruled out, the imidazole ring of His150 appears to assist carbocation stabilisation. The results presented here shed light on how hydroxylating sesquiterpene synthases can be engineered to design modified sesquiterpene synthases to reduce the need for further steps in the biocatalytic production of oxygenated sesquiterpenoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor González Requena
- School of Chemistry, Main Building, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, United Kingdom
| | - Prabhakar L Srivastava
- School of Chemistry, Main Building, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, United Kingdom
| | - David J Miller
- School of Chemistry, Main Building, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, United Kingdom
| | - Rudolf K Allemann
- School of Chemistry, Main Building, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, United Kingdom
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6
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Song Y, Wang W, Yang J, Gao D, Billingsley JM, Wang S, Zhu Y, Wang J, Ju J, Yan Y, Tang Y. β-Terrecyclene synthase constructs the quadrane backbone in terrecyclic acid biosynthesis. Chem Sci 2024; 15:8750-8755. [PMID: 38873062 PMCID: PMC11168084 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc01208a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Quadrane sesquiterpenes featuring a distinctive tricyclic skeleton exhibit potent antimicrobial and anticancer activities. Although extensive studies have attempted to reveal the multistep carbocation rearrangement involved in the formation of the tricyclic quadrane scaffold, the exact biosynthetic pathway and chemical logic to generate the quadrane structure remains mysterious. Here we identified a novel sesquiterpene synthase that is capable of generating β-terrecyclene possessing the quadrane scaffold and characterized the biosynthetic pathway of a representative fungal quadrane terrecyclic acid. Further mutagenesis coupled with isotopically sensitive branching studies of this β-terrecyclene synthase provided insight into the mechanism involved in the formation of the quadrane scaffold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongxiang Song
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Marine Materia Medica, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences 164 West Xingang Road Guangzhou 510301 China
- Sanya Institute of Oceanology Eco-Environmental Engineering Yazhou Scientific Bay Sanya 572000 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science 19 Yuquan Road Beijing 100049 China
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Los Angeles CA 90095 USA
| | - Wengui Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan 336 West Road of Nan Xinzhuang Jinan 250022 China
| | - Jiafan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Marine Materia Medica, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences 164 West Xingang Road Guangzhou 510301 China
- Sanya Institute of Oceanology Eco-Environmental Engineering Yazhou Scientific Bay Sanya 572000 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science 19 Yuquan Road Beijing 100049 China
| | - Dewei Gao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Los Angeles CA 90095 USA
| | - John M Billingsley
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Los Angeles CA 90095 USA
| | - Songtao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Marine Materia Medica, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences 164 West Xingang Road Guangzhou 510301 China
- Sanya Institute of Oceanology Eco-Environmental Engineering Yazhou Scientific Bay Sanya 572000 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science 19 Yuquan Road Beijing 100049 China
| | - Yiguang Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Marine Materia Medica, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences 164 West Xingang Road Guangzhou 510301 China
- Sanya Institute of Oceanology Eco-Environmental Engineering Yazhou Scientific Bay Sanya 572000 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science 19 Yuquan Road Beijing 100049 China
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Los Angeles CA 90095 USA
| | - Junfeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Marine Materia Medica, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences 164 West Xingang Road Guangzhou 510301 China
- Sanya Institute of Oceanology Eco-Environmental Engineering Yazhou Scientific Bay Sanya 572000 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science 19 Yuquan Road Beijing 100049 China
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Los Angeles CA 90095 USA
| | - Jianhua Ju
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Marine Materia Medica, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences 164 West Xingang Road Guangzhou 510301 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science 19 Yuquan Road Beijing 100049 China
| | - Yan Yan
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Marine Materia Medica, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences 164 West Xingang Road Guangzhou 510301 China
- Sanya Institute of Oceanology Eco-Environmental Engineering Yazhou Scientific Bay Sanya 572000 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science 19 Yuquan Road Beijing 100049 China
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Los Angeles CA 90095 USA
| | - Yi Tang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Los Angeles CA 90095 USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles CA 90095 USA
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7
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Xu M, Xu H, Lei Z, Xing B, Dickschat JS, Yang D, Ma M. Structural Insights Into the Terpene Cyclization Domains of Two Fungal Sesterterpene Synthases and Enzymatic Engineering for Sesterterpene Diversification. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202405140. [PMID: 38584136 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202405140] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Little is known about the structures and catalytic mechanisms of sesterterpene synthases (StTSs), which greatly hinders the structure-based engineering of StTSs for structural diversity expansion of sesterterpenes. We here report on the crystal structures of the terpene cyclization (TC) domains of two fungal StTSs: sesterfisherol synthase (NfSS) and sesterbrasiliatriene synthase (PbSS). Both TC structures contain benzyltriethylammonium chloride (BTAC), pyrophosphate (PPi), and magnesium ions (Mg2+), clearly defining the catalytic active sites. A combination of theory and experiments including carbocationic intermediates modeling, site-directed mutagenesis, and isotope labeling provided detailed insights into the structural basis for their catalytic mechanisms. Structure-based engineering of NfSS and PbSS resulted in the formation of 20 sesterterpenes including 13 new compounds and four pairs of epimers with different configurations at C18. These results expand the structural diversity of sesterterpenes and provide important insights for future synthetic biology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Houchao Xu
- Kekulé Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Strasse 1, 53121, Bonn, Germany
| | - Zhenyu Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Baiying Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jeroen S Dickschat
- Kekulé Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Strasse 1, 53121, Bonn, Germany
| | - Donghui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ming Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
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8
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Syrén PO. Ancestral terpene cyclases: From fundamental science to applications in biosynthesis. Methods Enzymol 2024; 699:311-341. [PMID: 38942509 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2024.04.025] [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] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Terpenes constitute one of the largest family of natural products with potent applications as renewable platform chemicals and medicines. The low activity, selectivity and stability displayed by terpene biosynthetic machineries can constitute an obstacle towards achieving expedient biosynthesis of terpenoids in processes that adhere to the 12 principles of green chemistry. Accordingly, engineering of terpene synthase enzymes is a prerequisite for industrial biotechnology applications, but obstructed by their complex catalysis that depend on reactive carbocationic intermediates that are prone to undergo bifurcation mechanisms. Rational redesign of terpene synthases can be tedious and requires high-resolution structural information, which is not always available. Furthermore, it has proven difficult to link sequence space of terpene synthase enzymes to specific product profiles. Herein, the author shows how ancestral sequence reconstruction (ASR) can favorably be used as a protein engineering tool in the redesign of terpene synthases without the need of a structure, and without excessive screening. A detailed workflow of ASR is presented along with associated limitations, with a focus on applying this methodology on terpene synthases. From selected examples of both class I and II enzymes, the author advocates that ancestral terpene cyclases constitute valuable assets to shed light on terpene-synthase catalysis and in enabling accelerated biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per-Olof Syrén
- School of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Solna, Sweden; School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.
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9
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Ellenburg WH, Oprian DD. Understanding mechanisms of terpene synthases using substrate analogs. Methods Enzymol 2024; 699:187-205. [PMID: 38942503 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2024.04.003] [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] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Terpene synthases (TS) transform achiral prenyl substrates into elaborate hydrocarbon scaffolds with multiple stereocenters through a series of cyclization reactions and carbon skeleton rearrangements. The reactions involve high-energy carbocation intermediates that must be stabilized by the enzyme along the pathway to the desired products. A variety of substrate analogs have been used to investigate TS mechanism. This article will focus on a class of analogs which strategically replace hydrogen atoms with fluorine to inhibit the generation of specific carbocation intermediates. We will explore the synthesis and use of the analogs to study TS mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel D Oprian
- Department of Biochemistry, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, United States.
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10
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Xu H, Köllner TG, Chen F, Dickschat JS. Functional and Mechanistic Characterization of the 4,5-diepi-Isoishwarane Synthase from the Liverwort Radula lindenbergiana. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202400104. [PMID: 38372483 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202400104] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
The microbial type sesquiterpene synthase RlMTPSL4 from the liverwort Radula lindenbergiana was investigated for its products, showing the formation of several sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. The main product was structurally characterized as the new compound 4,5-diepi-isoishwarane, while the side products included the known hydrocarbons germacrene A, α-selinene, eremophilene and 4,5-diepi-aristolochene. The cyclization mechanism towards 4,5-diepi-isoishwarane catalyzed by RlMTPSL4 was investigated through isotopic labeling experiments, revealing the stereochemical course for the deprotonation step to the neutral intermediate germacrene A, a reprotonation for its further cyclization, and a 1,2-hydride shift along the cascade. The absolute configuration of 4,5-diepi-isoishwarane was determined using a stereoselective deuteration approach, revealing an absolute configuration typically observed for a microbial type sesquiterpene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houchao Xu
- Kekulé Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Straße 1, 53121, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tobias G Köllner
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knöll-Straße 8, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee, 2431 Joe Johnson Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996-4561, USA
| | - Jeroen S Dickschat
- Kekulé Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Straße 1, 53121, Bonn, Germany
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11
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Xing B, Lei Z, Bai Z, Zang G, Wang Y, Zhang C, Chen M, Zhou Y, Ding J, Yang D, Ma M. Structural biology of terpene synthases. Methods Enzymol 2024; 699:59-87. [PMID: 38942516 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2024.03.012] [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] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Structural biology research of terpene synthases (TSs) has provided a useful basis to understand their catalytic mechanisms in producing diverse terpene products with polycyclic ring systems and multiple chiral centers. However, compared to the large numbers of>95,000 terpenoids discovered to date, few structures of TSs have been solved and the understanding of their catalytic mechanisms is lagging. We here (i) introduce the basic catalytic logic, the structural architectures, and the metal-binding conserved motifs of TSs; (ii) provide detailed experimental procedures, in gene cloning and plasmid construction, protein purification, crystallization, X-ray diffraction data collection and structural elucidation, for structural biology research of TSs; and (iii) discuss the prospects of structure-based engineering and de novo design of TSs in generating valuable terpene molecules, which cannot be easily achieved by chemical synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baiying Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Zhenyu Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Zhaoye Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Guowei Zang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yuxian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Chenyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Minren Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yucheng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jiahao Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Donghui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China.
| | - Ming Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China.
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12
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Ye D, Shao YZ, Li WR, Cui ZJ, Gong T, Yang JL, Wang HQ, Dai JG, Feng KP, Ma M, Ma SG, Liu YB, Zhu P, Yu SS. Characterization and Engineering of Two Highly Paralogous Sesquiterpene Synthases Reveal a Regioselective Reprotonation Switch. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202315674. [PMID: 38327006 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202315674] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Sesquiterpene synthases (STPSs) catalyze carbocation-driven cyclization reactions that can generate structurally diverse hydrocarbons. The deprotonation-reprotonation process is widely used in STPSs to promote structural diversity, largely attributable to the distinct regio/stereoselective reprotonations. However, the molecular basis for reprotonation regioselectivity remains largely understudied. Herein, we analyzed two highly paralogous STPSs, Artabotrys hexapetalus (-)-cyperene synthase (AhCS) and ishwarane synthase (AhIS), which catalyze reactions that are distinct from the regioselective protonation of germacrene A (GA), resulting in distinct skeletons of 5/5/6 tricyclic (-)-cyperene and 6/6/5/3 tetracyclic ishwarane, respectively. Isotopic labeling experiments demonstrated that these protonations occur at C3 and C6 of GA in AhCS and AhIS, respectively. The cryo-electron microscopy-derived AhCS complex structure provided the structural basis for identifying different key active site residues that may govern their functional disparity. The structure-guided mutagenesis of these residues resulted in successful functional interconversion between AhCS and AhIS, thus targeting the three active site residues [L311-S419-C458]/[M311-V419-A458] that may act as a C3/C6 reprotonation switch for GA. These findings facilitate the rational design or directed evolution of STPSs with structurally diverse skeletons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Zhen Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Rui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen-Jia Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-Ling Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Qiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Gui Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke-Ping Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Ma
- Department State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Institution School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang-Gang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun-Bao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, People's Republic of China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biosynthesis of Natural Products, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi-Shan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, People's Republic of China
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13
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He S, Abdallah II, van Merkerk R, Quax WJ. Insights into taxadiene synthase catalysis and promiscuity facilitated by mutability landscape and molecular dynamics. PLANTA 2024; 259:87. [PMID: 38460012 PMCID: PMC10924717 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-024-04363-9] [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: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
MAIN CONCLUSION Protein modeling, carbocation docking, and molecular dynamics along with structure-based mutability landscapes provided insight into taxadiene synthase catalysis (first step of the anticancer Taxol biosynthesis), protein structure-function correlations, and promiscuity. Plant terpenes belong to one of the largest and most diverse classes of natural products. This diversity is driven by the terpene synthase enzyme family which comprises numerous different synthases, several of which are promiscuous. Taxadiene synthase (TXS) is a class I diterpene synthase that catalyzes the first step in the biosynthesis pathway of the diterpene Taxol, an anticancer natural product produced by the Taxus plant. Exploring the molecular basis of TXS catalysis and its promiscuous potential garnered interest as a necessary means for understanding enzyme evolution and engineering possibilities to improve Taxol biosynthesis. A catalytically active closed conformation TXS model was designed using the artificial intelligence system, AlphaFold, accompanied by docking and molecular dynamics simulations. In addition, a mutability landscape of TXS including 14 residues was created to probe for structure-function relations. The mutability landscape revealed no mutants with improved catalytic activity compared to wild-type TXS. However, mutations of residues V584, Q609, V610, and Y688 showed high degree of promiscuity producing cembranoid-type and/or verticillene-type major products instead of taxanes. Mechanistic insights into V610F, V584M, Q609A, and Y688C mutants compared to the wild type revealed the trigger(s) for product profile change. Several mutants spanning residues V584, Q609, Y688, Y762, Q770, and F834 increased production of taxa-4(20),11(12)-diene which is a more favorable substrate for Taxol production compared to taxa-4(5),11(12)-diene. Finally, molecular dynamics simulations of the TXS reaction cascade revealed residues involved in ionization, carbocation stabilization, and cyclization ushering deeper understanding of the enzyme catalysis mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi He
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ingy I Abdallah
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ronald van Merkerk
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wim J Quax
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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14
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Lu X, Bai J, Tian Z, Li C, Ahmed N, Liu X, Cheng J, Lu L, Cai J, Jiang H, Wang W. Cyclization mechanism of monoterpenes catalyzed by monoterpene synthases in dipterocarpaceae. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2024; 9:11-18. [PMID: 38173809 PMCID: PMC10758623 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2023.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Monoterpenoids are typically present in the secretory tissues of higher plants, and their biosynthesis is catalyzed by the action of monoterpene synthases (MTSs). However, the knowledge about these enzymes is restricted in a few plant species. MTSs are responsible for the complex cyclization of monoterpene precursors, resulting in the production of diverse monoterpene products. These enzymatic reactions are considered exceptionally complex in nature. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the catalytic mechanism of MTSs to elucidate their ability to produce diverse or specific monoterpenoid products. In our study, we analyzed thirteen genomes of Dipterocarpaceae and identified 38 MTSs that generate a variety of monoterpene products. By focusing on four MTSs with different product spectra and analyzing the formation mechanism of acyclic, monocyclic and bicyclic products in MTSs, we observed that even a single amino acid mutation can change the specificity and diversity of MTS products, which is due to the synergistic effect between the shape of the active cavity and the stabilization of carbon-positive intermediates that the mutation changing. Notably, residues N340, I448, and phosphoric acid groups were found to be significant contributors to the stabilization of intermediate terpinyl and pinene cations. Alterations in these residues, either directly or indirectly, can impact the synthesis of single monoterpenes or their mixtures. By revealing the role of key residues in the catalytic process and establishing the interaction model between specific residues and complex monoterpenes in MTSs, it will be possible to reasonably design and engineer different catalytic activities into existing MTSs, laying a foundation for the artificial design and industrial application of MTSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyun Lu
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shanxi, 710072, China
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Jie Bai
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Zunzhe Tian
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shanxi, 710072, China
| | - Congyu Li
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Nida Ahmed
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Xiaonan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Jian Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Lina Lu
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Jing Cai
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shanxi, 710072, China
| | - Huifeng Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Wen Wang
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shanxi, 710072, China
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15
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Xu H, Köllner TG, Chen F, Dickschat JS. Mechanistic characterisation of a sesquiterpene synthase for asterisca-1,6-diene from the liverwort Radula lindenbergiana and implications for pentalenene biosynthesis. Org Biomol Chem 2024; 22:1360-1364. [PMID: 38240688 DOI: 10.1039/d3ob02088f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
A sesquiterpene synthase from the liverwort Radula lindenbergiana was characterised and shown to produce the new sesquiterpene hydrocarbon (3R,9R)-asterisca-1,6-diene, besides small amounts of pentalenene. The biosynthesis of asterisca-1,6-diene was studied through isotopic labelling experiments, giving additional insights into the long discussed biosynthesis of pentalenene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houchao Xu
- Kekulé-Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Straße 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Tobias G Köllner
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knöll-Straße 8, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee, 2431 Joe Johnson Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996-4561, USA
| | - Jeroen S Dickschat
- Kekulé-Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Straße 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany.
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16
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Xu H, Dickschat JS. Isotopic labelings for mechanistic studies. Methods Enzymol 2024; 699:163-186. [PMID: 38942502 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2024.01.011] [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] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
The intricate mechanisms in the biosynthesis of terpenes belong to the most challenging problems in natural product chemistry. Methods to address these problems include the structure-based site-directed mutagenesis of terpene synthases, computational approaches, and isotopic labeling experiments. The latter approach has a long tradition in biosynthesis studies and has recently experienced a revival, after genome sequencing enabled rapid access to biosynthetic genes and enzymes. Today, this allows for a combined approach in which isotopically labeled substrates can be incubated with recombinant terpene synthases. These clearly defined reaction setups can give detailed mechanistic insights into the reactions catalyzed by terpene synthases, and recent developments have substantially deepened our understanding of terpene biosynthesis. This chapter will discuss the state of the art and introduce some of the most important methods that make use of isotopic labelings in mechanistic studies on terpene synthases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houchao Xu
- Kekulé-Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jeroen S Dickschat
- Kekulé-Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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17
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Huang ZY, Taizoumbe KA, Liang C, Goldfuss B, Xu JH, Dickschat JS. Spiroluchuene A Synthase: A Cyclase from Aspergillus luchuensis Forming a Spirotetracyclic Diterpene. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202315659. [PMID: 37962519 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202315659] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The diterpene synthase AlTS was identified from Aspergillus luchuensis. AlTS catalyses the formation of the diterpene hydrocarbon spiroluchuene A, which exhibits a novel skeleton characterised by a spirocyclic ring system. The cyclisation mechanism towards this compound was elucidated through isotopic labelling experiments in conjunction with DFT calculations and metadynamic simulations. The biosynthetic intermediate luchudiene, besides the derivative spiroluchuene B, was captured from an enzyme variant obtained through site-directed mutagenesis. With its 10-membered ring luchudiene is structurally related to germacrenes and can undergo a Cope rearrangement to luchuelemene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Yu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Centre for Biomanufacturing, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Kizerbo A Taizoumbe
- Kekulé-Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Straße 1, 53121, Bonn, Germany
| | - Chengqin Liang
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, China
| | - Bernd Goldfuss
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cologne, Greinstraße 4, 50939, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jian-He Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Centre for Biomanufacturing, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Jeroen S Dickschat
- Kekulé-Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Straße 1, 53121, Bonn, Germany
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18
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Zhang L, Zhang B, Zhu A, Liu SH, Wu R, Zhang X, Xu Z, Tan RX, Ge HM. Biosynthesis of Phomactin Platelet Activating Factor Antagonist Requires a Two-Enzyme Cascade. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202312996. [PMID: 37804495 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202312996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Phomactin diterpenoids possess a unique bicyclo[9.3.1]pentadecane skeleton with multiple oxidative modifications, and are good platelet-activating factor (PAF) antagonists that can inhibit PAF-induced platelet aggregation. In this study, we identified the gene cluster (phm) responsible for the biosynthesis of phomactins from a marine fungus, Phoma sp. ATCC 74077. Despite the complexity of their structures, phomactin biosynthesis only requires two enzymes: a type I diterpene cyclase PhmA and a P450 monooxygenase PhmC. PhmA was found to catalyze the formation of the phomactatriene, while PhmC sequentially catalyzes the oxidation of multiple sites, leading to the generation of structurally diverse phomactins. The rearrangement mechanism of the diterpene scaffold was investigated through isotope labeling experiments. Additionally, we obtained the crystal complex of PhmA with its substrate analogue FGGPP and elucidated the novel metal-ion-binding mode and enzymatic mechanism of PhmA through site-directed mutagenesis. This study provides the first insight into the biosynthesis of phomactins, laying the foundation for the efficient production of phomactin natural products using synthetic biology approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Ao Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Shuang He Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Rui Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Zhengren Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ren Xiang Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Hui Ming Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
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19
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Srivastava P, Johns ST, Walters R, Miller DJ, Van der Kamp MW, Allemann RK. Active Site Loop Engineering Abolishes Water Capture in Hydroxylating Sesquiterpene Synthases. ACS Catal 2023; 13:14199-14204. [PMID: 37942265 PMCID: PMC10629212 DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.3c03920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Terpene synthases (TS) catalyze complex reactions to produce a diverse array of terpene skeletons from linear isoprenyl diphosphates. Patchoulol synthase (PTS) from Pogostemon cablin converts farnesyl diphosphate into patchoulol. Using simulation-guided engineering, we obtained PTS variants that eliminate water capture. Further, we demonstrate that modifying the structurally conserved Hα-1 loop also reduces hydroxylation in PTS, as well as in germacradiene-11-ol synthase (Gd11olS), leading to cyclic neutral intermediates as products, including α-bulnesene (PTS) and isolepidozene (Gd11olS). Hα-1 loop modification could be a general strategy for engineering sesquiterpene synthases to produce complex cyclic hydrocarbons without the need for structure determination or modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabhakar
L. Srivastava
- School
of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, United Kingdom
| | - Sam T. Johns
- School
of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TD, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Walters
- School
of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TD, United Kingdom
| | - David J. Miller
- School
of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, United Kingdom
| | - Marc W. Van der Kamp
- School
of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TD, United Kingdom
| | - Rudolf K. Allemann
- School
of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, United Kingdom
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20
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Whitehead J, Leferink NGH, Johannissen LO, Hay S, Scrutton NS. Decoding Catalysis by Terpene Synthases. ACS Catal 2023; 13:12774-12802. [PMID: 37822860 PMCID: PMC10563020 DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.3c03047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
The review by Christianson, published in 2017 on the twentieth anniversary of the emergence of the field, summarizes the foundational discoveries and key advances in terpene synthase/cyclase (TS) biocatalysis (Christianson, D. W. Chem Rev2017, 117 (17), 11570-11648. DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.7b00287). Here, we review the TS literature published since then, bringing the field up to date and looking forward to what could be the near future of TS rational design. Many revealing discoveries have been made in recent years, building on the knowledge and fundamental principles uncovered during those initial two decades of study. We use these to explore TS reaction chemistry and see how a combined experimental and computational approach helps to decipher the complexities of TS catalysis. Revealed are a suite of catalytic motifs which control product outcome in TSs, some obvious, some more subtle. We examine each in detail, using the most recent papers and insights to illustrate how exactly this fascinating class of enzymes takes a single acyclic substrate and turns it into the many thousands of complex terpenoids found in Nature. We then explore some of the recent strategies for TS engineering, including machine learning and other data-driven approaches. From this, rational and predictive engineering of TSs, "designer terpene synthases", will begin to emerge as a realistic goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua
N. Whitehead
- Manchester
Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN, United Kingdom
| | - Nicole G. H. Leferink
- Future
Biomanufacturing Research Hub (FBRH), Manchester Institute of Biotechnology,
Department of Chemistry, The University
of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN, United
Kingdom
| | - Linus O. Johannissen
- Manchester
Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN, United Kingdom
| | - Sam Hay
- Manchester
Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel S. Scrutton
- Manchester
Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN, United Kingdom
- Future
Biomanufacturing Research Hub (FBRH), Manchester Institute of Biotechnology,
Department of Chemistry, The University
of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN, United
Kingdom
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21
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Fordjour E, Liu CL, Hao Y, Sackey I, Yang Y, Liu X, Li Y, Tan T, Bai Z. Engineering Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) for high-yield production of germacrene A, a precursor of β-elemene via combinatorial metabolic engineering strategies. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:3039-3056. [PMID: 37309999 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28467] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
β-elemene is one of the most commonly used antineoplastic drugs in cancer treatment. As a plant-derived natural chemical, biologically engineering microorganisms to produce germacrene A to be converted to β-elemene harbors great expectations since chemical synthesis and plant isolation methods come with their production deficiencies. In this study, we report the design of an Escherichia coli cell factory for the de novo production of germacrene A to be converted to β-elemene from a simple carbon source. A series of systematic approaches of engineering the isoprenoid and central carbon pathways, translational and protein engineering of the sesquiterpene synthase, and exporter engineering yielded high-efficient β-elemene production. Specifically, deleting competing pathways in the central carbon pathway ensured the availability of acetyl-coA, pyruvate, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate for the isoprenoid pathways. Adopting lycopene color as a high throughput screening method, an optimized NSY305N was obtained via error-prone polymerase chain reaction mutagenesis. Further overexpression of key pathway enzymes, exporter genes, and translational engineering produced 1161.09 mg/L of β-elemene in a shake flask. Finally, we detected the highest reported titer of 3.52 g/L of β-elemene and 2.13 g/L germacrene A produced by an E. coli cell factory in a 4-L fed-batch fermentation. The systematic engineering reported here generally applies to microbial production of a broader range of chemicals. This illustrates that rewiring E. coli central metabolism is viable for producing acetyl-coA-derived and pyruvate-derived molecules cost-effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Fordjour
- The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Cereal Fermentation, and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Research Centre for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Chun-Li Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Cereal Fermentation, and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Research Centre for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Yunpeng Hao
- The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Cereal Fermentation, and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Research Centre for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Isaac Sackey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Yankun Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Cereal Fermentation, and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Research Centre for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Xiuxia Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Cereal Fermentation, and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Research Centre for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Ye Li
- The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Cereal Fermentation, and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Research Centre for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Tianwei Tan
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhonghu Bai
- The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Cereal Fermentation, and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Research Centre for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
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22
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Chhalodia AK, Xu H, Tabekoueng GB, Gu B, Taizoumbe KA, Lauterbach L, Dickschat JS. Functional characterisation of twelve terpene synthases from actinobacteria. Beilstein J Org Chem 2023; 19:1386-1398. [PMID: 37736393 PMCID: PMC10509563 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.19.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Fifteen type I terpene synthase homologs from diverse actinobacteria that were selected based on a phylogenetic analysis of more than 4000 amino acid sequences were investigated for their products. For four enzymes with functions not previously reported from bacterial terpene synthases the products were isolated and their structures were elucidated by NMR spectroscopy, resulting in the discovery of the first terpene synthases for (+)-δ-cadinol and (+)-α-cadinene, besides the first two bacterial (-)-amorpha-4,11-diene synthases. For other terpene synthases with functions reported from bacteria before the products were identified by GC-MS. The characterised enzymes include a new epi-isozizaene synthase with monoterpene synthase side activity, a 7-epi-α-eudesmol synthase that also produces hedycaryol and germacrene A, and four more sesquiterpene synthases that produce mixtures of hedycaryol and germacrene A. Three phylogenetically related enzymes were in one case not expressed and in two cases inactive, suggesting pseudogenisation in the respective branch of the phylogenetic tree. Furthermore, a diterpene synthase for allokutznerene and a sesterterpene synthase for sesterviolene were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuj K Chhalodia
- Kekulé-Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Straße 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Houchao Xu
- Kekulé-Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Straße 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Georges B Tabekoueng
- Kekulé-Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Straße 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Binbin Gu
- Kekulé-Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Straße 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Kizerbo A Taizoumbe
- Kekulé-Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Straße 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Lukas Lauterbach
- Kekulé-Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Straße 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jeroen S Dickschat
- Kekulé-Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Straße 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany
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23
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Chen SC, Jiang BC, Lu YJ, Chang CH, Wu TH, Lin SW, Yin HW, Lee TH, Hsu CH. Characterization and Crystal Structures of a Cubebol-Producing Sesquiterpene Synthase from Antrodia cinnamomea. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:13014-13023. [PMID: 37566786 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c00570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Antrodia cinnamomea is an endemic species found in Taiwan, known for its medicinal properties in treating various discomforts, including inflammation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and other diseases. A. cinnamomea contains terpenoids that exhibit numerous bioactivities, making them potential food additives. This discovery piqued our interest in uncovering their biosynthetic pathway. Herein, we conducted functional and structural characterization of a sesquiterpene synthase Cop4 from A. cinnamomea (AcCop4). Through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, we observed that AcCop4 catalyzes the cyclization of farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP), primarily producing cubebol. Cubebol is widely used as a long-lasting cooling and refreshing agent in the food industry. The structure of AcCop4, complexed with pyrophosphate and magnesium ions, revealed the closure of the active site facilitated by R311. Interestingly, binding of pyrophosphate and magnesium ions did not cause any significant conformational change in the G1/2 helix of AcCop4, indicating that the apo form is not fully open. This high-resolution structure serves as a solid basis for understanding the biosynthetic mechanism of AcCop4 and supports further production and modification of cubebol for its applications in the food industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Chia Chen
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
- Institute of Fisheries Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Bo-Chen Jiang
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Ju Lu
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hao Chang
- Institute of Fisheries Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Han Wu
- Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Wei Lin
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Hua-Wen Yin
- Institute of Fisheries Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Tzong-Huei Lee
- Institute of Fisheries Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hua Hsu
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
- Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
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24
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Li Z, Zhang L, Xu K, Jiang Y, Du J, Zhang X, Meng LH, Wu Q, Du L, Li X, Hu Y, Xie Z, Jiang X, Tang YJ, Wu R, Guo RT, Li S. Molecular insights into the catalytic promiscuity of a bacterial diterpene synthase. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4001. [PMID: 37414771 PMCID: PMC10325987 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39706-9] [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: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Diterpene synthase VenA is responsible for assembling venezuelaene A with a unique 5-5-6-7 tetracyclic skeleton from geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate. VenA also demonstrates substrate promiscuity by accepting geranyl pyrophosphate and farnesyl pyrophosphate as alternative substrates. Herein, we report the crystal structures of VenA in both apo form and holo form in complex with a trinuclear magnesium cluster and pyrophosphate group. Functional and structural investigations on the atypical 115DSFVSD120 motif of VenA, versus the canonical Asp-rich motif of DDXX(X)D/E, reveal that the absent second Asp of canonical motif is functionally replaced by Ser116 and Gln83, together with bioinformatics analysis identifying a hidden subclass of type I microbial terpene synthases. Further structural analysis, multiscale computational simulations, and structure-directed mutagenesis provide significant mechanistic insights into the substrate selectivity and catalytic promiscuity of VenA. Finally, VenA is semi-rationally engineered into a sesterterpene synthase to recognize the larger substrate geranylfarnesyl pyrophosphate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, No. 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, China
| | - Lilan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430062, China
| | - Kangwei Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China
| | - Yuanyuan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, No. 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, China
| | - Jieke Du
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, No. 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, China
| | - Xingwang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, No. 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, China
| | - Ling-Hong Meng
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanhai Road 7, Qingdao, Shandong, 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, China
| | - Qile Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, No. 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, China
| | - Lei Du
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, No. 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, China
| | - Xiaoju Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, No. 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, China
| | - Yuechan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430062, China
| | - Zhenzhen Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430062, China
| | - Xukai Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, No. 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, China
| | - Ya-Jie Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, No. 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, China
| | - Ruibo Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China.
| | - Rey-Ting Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430062, China.
| | - Shengying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, No. 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, China.
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, China.
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25
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Tarasova EV, Luchnikova NA, Grishko VV, Ivshina IB. Actinomycetes as Producers of Biologically Active Terpenoids: Current Trends and Patents. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:872. [PMID: 37375819 DOI: 10.3390/ph16060872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Terpenes and their derivatives (terpenoids and meroterpenoids, in particular) constitute the largest class of natural compounds, which have valuable biological activities and are promising therapeutic agents. The present review assesses the biosynthetic capabilities of actinomycetes to produce various terpene derivatives; reports the main methodological approaches to searching for new terpenes and their derivatives; identifies the most active terpene producers among actinomycetes; and describes the chemical diversity and biological properties of the obtained compounds. Among terpene derivatives isolated from actinomycetes, compounds with pronounced antifungal, antiviral, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and other effects were determined. Actinomycete-produced terpenoids and meroterpenoids with high antimicrobial activity are of interest as a source of novel antibiotics effective against drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria. Most of the discovered terpene derivatives are produced by the genus Streptomyces; however, recent publications have reported terpene biosynthesis by members of the genera Actinomadura, Allokutzneria, Amycolatopsis, Kitasatosporia, Micromonospora, Nocardiopsis, Salinispora, Verrucosispora, etc. It should be noted that the use of genetically modified actinomycetes is an effective tool for studying and regulating terpenes, as well as increasing productivity of terpene biosynthesis in comparison with native producers. The review includes research articles on terpene biosynthesis by Actinomycetes between 2000 and 2022, and a patent analysis in this area shows current trends and actual research directions in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina V Tarasova
- Perm Federal Research Center, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 13A Lenina Str., 614990 Perm, Russia
| | - Natalia A Luchnikova
- Perm Federal Research Center, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 13A Lenina Str., 614990 Perm, Russia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Perm State University, 15 Bukirev Str., 614990 Perm, Russia
| | - Victoria V Grishko
- Perm Federal Research Center, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 13A Lenina Str., 614990 Perm, Russia
| | - Irina B Ivshina
- Perm Federal Research Center, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 13A Lenina Str., 614990 Perm, Russia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Perm State University, 15 Bukirev Str., 614990 Perm, Russia
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26
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Xu H, Goldfuss B, Dickschat JS. Biosynthesis of the Sesquiterpene Kitaviridene through Skeletal Rearrangement with Formation of a Methyl Group Equivalent. Org Lett 2023; 25:3330-3334. [PMID: 37122105 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.3c01211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
A sesquiterpene synthase from Kitasatospora viridis was discovered and shown to produce kitaviridene, a sesquiterpene hydrocarbon with an additional methyl group equivalent in comparison to a regular sesquiterpene. Isotopic labeling experiments together with DFT calculations gave detailed insights into the cyclization cascade toward kitaviridene and explained the formation of the additional methyl group equivalent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houchao Xu
- Kekulé-Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Straße 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Bernd Goldfuss
- Department for Chemistry, University of Cologne, Greinstraße 4, 50939 Cologne, Germany
| | - Jeroen S Dickschat
- Kekulé-Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Straße 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany
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27
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Schell K, Li H, Lauterbach L, Taizoumbe KA, Dickschat JS, Hauer B. Alternative Active Site Confinement in Squalene–Hopene Cyclase Enforces Substrate Preorganization for Cyclization. ACS Catal 2023. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.2c05949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
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28
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Li Z, Xu B, Kojasoy V, Ortega T, Adpressa DA, Ning W, Wei X, Liu J, Tantillo DJ, Loesgen S, Rudolf JD. First trans-eunicellane terpene synthase in bacteria. Chem 2023; 9:698-708. [PMID: 36937101 PMCID: PMC10022577 DOI: 10.1016/j.chempr.2022.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Terpenoids are the largest family of natural products, but prokaryotes are vastly underrepresented in this chemical space. However, genomics supports vast untapped biosynthetic potential for terpenoids in bacteria. We discovered the first trans-eunicellane terpene synthase (TS), AlbS from Streptomyces albireticuli NRRL B-1670, in nature. Mutagenesis, deuterium labeling studies, and quantum chemical calculations provided extensive support for its cyclization mechanism. In addition, parallel stereospecific labeling studies with Bnd4, a cis-eunicellane TS, revealed a key mechanistic distinction between these two enzymes. AlbS highlights bacteria as a valuable source of novel terpenoids, expands our understanding of the eunicellane family of natural products and the enzymes that biosynthesize them, and provides a model system to address fundamental questions about the chemistry of 6,10-bicyclic ring systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zining Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Baofu Xu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Volga Kojasoy
- Department of Chemistry, University of California–Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Teresa Ortega
- Department of Chemistry, University of California–Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | | | - Wenbo Ning
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Xiuting Wei
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Jamin Liu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Dean J. Tantillo
- Department of Chemistry, University of California–Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Sandra Loesgen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Whitney Laboratory for Marine Biosciences, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL, United States
| | - Jeffrey D. Rudolf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Lead contact
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29
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Hou A, Dickschat JS. Labelling studies in the biosynthesis of polyketides and non-ribosomal peptides. Nat Prod Rep 2023; 40:470-499. [PMID: 36484402 DOI: 10.1039/d2np00071g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Covering: 2015 to 2022In this review, we discuss the recent advances in the use of isotopically labelled compounds to investigate the biosynthesis of polyketides, non-ribosomally synthesised peptides, and their hybrids. Also, we highlight the use of isotopes in the elucidation of their structures and investigation of enzyme mechanisms. The biosynthetic pathways of selected examples are presented in detail to reveal the principles of the discussed labelling experiments. The presented examples demonstrate that the application of isotopically labelled compounds is still the state of the art and can provide valuable information for the biosynthesis of natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwei Hou
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, West 7th Avenue No. 32, 300308 Tianjin, China.,Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Changdong Road No. 7777, 330096 Nanchang, China
| | - Jeroen S Dickschat
- Kekulé-Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Straße 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany.
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30
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Xu H, Dickschat JS. Germacrene B - a central intermediate in sesquiterpene biosynthesis. Beilstein J Org Chem 2023; 19:186-203. [PMID: 36865023 PMCID: PMC9972886 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.19.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Germacranes are important intermediates in the biosynthesis of eudesmane and guaiane sesquiterpenes. After their initial formation from farnesyl diphosphate, these neutral intermediates can become reprotonated for a second cyclisation to reach the bicyclic eudesmane and guaiane skeletons. This review summarises the accumulated knowledge on eudesmane and guaiane sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and alcohols that potentially arise from the achiral sesquiterpene hydrocarbon germacrene B. Not only compounds isolated from natural sources, but also synthetic compounds are dicussed, with the aim to give a rationale for the structural assignment for each compound. A total number of 64 compounds is presented, with 131 cited references.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houchao Xu
- Kekulé-Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Straße 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jeroen S Dickschat
- Kekulé-Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Straße 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany
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31
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Gu B, Goldfuss B, Dickschat JS. Mechanistic Characterisation and Engineering of Sesterviolene Synthase from Streptomyces violens. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202215688. [PMID: 36350768 PMCID: PMC10107272 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202215688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The sesterviolene synthase from Streptomyces violens was identified and represents the second known sesterterpene synthase from bacteria. Isotopic labelling experiments in conjunction with DFT calculations were performed that provided detailed insight into its complex cyclisation mechanism. Enzyme engineering through site-directed mutagenesis gave access to a high-yielding enzyme variant that provided six additional minor products and the main product in sufficient quantities to study its chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binbin Gu
- Kekulé-Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Straße 1, 53121, Bonn, Germany
| | - Bernd Goldfuss
- Department for Chemistry, University of Cologne, Greinstraße 4, 50939, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jeroen S Dickschat
- Kekulé-Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Straße 1, 53121, Bonn, Germany
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32
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Pan X, Du W, Zhang X, Lin X, Li FR, Yang Q, Wang H, Rudolf JD, Zhang B, Dong LB. Discovery, Structure, and Mechanism of a Class II Sesquiterpene Cyclase. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:22067-22074. [PMID: 36416740 PMCID: PMC10064485 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c09412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Terpene cyclases (TCs), extraordinary enzymes that create the structural diversity seen in terpene natural products, are traditionally divided into two classes, class I and class II. Although the structural and mechanistic features of class I TCs are well-known, the corresponding details in class II counterparts have not been fully characterized. Here, we report the genome mining discovery and structural characterization of two class II sesquiterpene cyclases (STCs) from Streptomyces. These drimenyl diphosphate synthases (DMSs) are the first STCs shown to possess β,γ-didomain architecture. High-resolution X-ray crystal structures of DMS from Streptomyces showdoensis (SsDMS) in complex with both a farnesyl diphosphate and Mg2+ unveiled an induced-fit mechanism, with an unprecedented Mg2+ binding mode, finally solving one of the lingering questions in class II TC enzymology. This study supports continued genome mining for novel bacterial TCs and provides new mechanistic insights into canonical class II TCs that will lead to advances in TC engineering and synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingming Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenyu Du
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoxu Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fang-Ru Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qian Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hang Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jeffrey D Rudolf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611-7011, United States
| | - Bo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Functional Biomolecules, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liao-Bin Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, Jiangsu, China
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33
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Structure-guided product determination of the bacterial type II diterpene synthase Tpn2. Commun Chem 2022; 5:146. [PMID: 36698006 PMCID: PMC9814783 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-022-00765-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
A grand challenge in terpene synthase (TS) enzymology is the ability to predict function from protein sequence. Given the limited number of characterized bacterial TSs and significant sequence diversities between them and their eukaryotic counterparts, this is currently impossible. To contribute towards understanding the sequence-structure-function relationships of type II bacterial TSs, we determined the structure of the terpentedienyl diphosphate synthase Tpn2 from Kitasatospora sp. CB02891 by X-ray crystallography and made structure-guided mutants to probe its mechanism. Substitution of a glycine into a basic residue changed the product preference from the clerodane skeleton to a syn-labdane skeleton, resulting in the first syn-labdane identified from a bacterial TS. Understanding how a single residue can dictate the cyclization pattern in Tpn2, along with detailed bioinformatics analysis of bacterial type II TSs, sets the stage for the investigation of the functional scope of bacterial type II TSs and the discovery of novel bacterial terpenoids.
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34
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Li H, Dickschat JS. Diterpene Biosynthesis from Geranylgeranyl Diphosphate Analogues with Changed Reactivities Expands Skeletal Diversity. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202211054. [PMID: 36066489 PMCID: PMC9826473 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202211054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Two analogues of the diterpene precursor geranylgeranyl diphosphate with shifted double bonds, named iso-GGPP I and iso-GGPP II, were enzymatically converted with twelve diterpene synthases from bacteria, fungi and protists. The changed reactivity in the substrate analogues resulted in the formation of 28 new diterpenes, many of which exhibit novel skeletons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Li
- Kekulé-Institute for Organic Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of BonnGerhard-Domagk-Straße 153121BonnGermany
| | - Jeroen S. Dickschat
- Kekulé-Institute for Organic Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of BonnGerhard-Domagk-Straße 153121BonnGermany
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35
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Tran CD, Dräger G, Struwe HF, Siedenberg L, Vasisth S, Grunenberg J, Kirschning A. Cyclopropylmethyldiphosphates are substrates for sesquiterpene synthases: experimental and theoretical results. Org Biomol Chem 2022; 20:7833-7839. [PMID: 36169604 DOI: 10.1039/d2ob01279k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
New homo-sesquiterpenes are accessible after conversion of presilphiperfolan-8β-ol synthase (BcBOT2) with cyclopropylmethyl analogs of farnesyl diphosphate, and this biotransformation is dependent on subtle structural refinements. Two of the three cyclisation products are homo variants of germacrene D and germacrene D-4-ol while the third product reported contains a new bicyclic backbone for which no analogue in nature has been described so far. The findings on diphosphate activation are discussed and rationalised by relaxed force constants and dissociation energies computed at the DFT level of theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Duc Tran
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Schneiderberg 1B, 30167 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Gerald Dräger
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Schneiderberg 1B, 30167 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Henry Frederik Struwe
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Schneiderberg 1B, 30167 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Lukas Siedenberg
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Schneiderberg 1B, 30167 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Somi Vasisth
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, TU Braunschweig, Hagenring 30, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jörg Grunenberg
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, TU Braunschweig, Hagenring 30, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Andreas Kirschning
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Schneiderberg 1B, 30167 Hannover, Germany.
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36
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Whitehead JN, Leferink NGH, Komati Reddy G, Levy CW, Hay S, Takano E, Scrutton NS. How a 10- epi-Cubebol Synthase Avoids Premature Reaction Quenching to Form a Tricyclic Product at High Purity. ACS Catal 2022; 12:12123-12131. [PMID: 36249875 PMCID: PMC9552170 DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.2c03155] [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: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Terpenes are the largest class of natural products and
are attractive
targets in the fuel, fragrance, pharmaceutical, and flavor industries.
Harvesting terpenes from natural sources is environmentally intensive
and often gives low yields and purities, requiring further downstream
processing. Engineered terpene synthases (TSs) offer a solution to
these problems, but the low sequence identity and high promiscuity
among TSs are major challenges for targeted engineering. Rational
design of TSs requires identification of key structural and chemical
motifs that steer product outcomes. Producing the sesquiterpenoid
10-epi-cubebol from farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP)
requires many steps and some of Nature’s most difficult chemistry.
10-epi-Cubebol synthase from Sorangium
cellulosum (ScCubS) guides a highly reactive carbocationic
substrate through this pathway, preventing early quenching and ensuring
correct stereochemistry at every stage. The cyclizations carried out
by ScCubS potentially represent significant evolutionary expansions
in the chemical space accessible by TSs. Here, we present the high-resolution
crystal structure of ScCubS in complex with both a trinuclear magnesium
cluster and pyrophosphate. Computational modeling, experiment, and
bioinformatic analysis identified residues important in steering the
reaction chemistry. We show that S206 is crucial in 10-epi-cubebol synthesis by enlisting the nearby F211 to shape the active
site contour and prevent the formation of early escape cadalane products.
We also show that N327 and F104 control the distribution between several
early-stage cations and whether the final product is derived from
the germacrane, cadalane, or cubebane hydrocarbon scaffold. Using
these insights, we reengineered ScCubS so that its main product was
germacradien-4-ol, which derives from the germacrane, rather than
the cubebane, scaffold. Our work emphasizes that mechanistic understanding
of cation stabilization in TSs can be used to guide catalytic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua N. Whitehead
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K
| | - Nicole G. H. Leferink
- Future Biomanufacturing Research Hub (FBRH), Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K
| | - Gajendar Komati Reddy
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K
| | - Colin W. Levy
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K
| | - Sam Hay
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K
| | - Eriko Takano
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K
- Future Biomanufacturing Research Hub (FBRH), Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K
| | - Nigel S. Scrutton
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K
- Future Biomanufacturing Research Hub (FBRH), Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K
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Li H, Dickschat JS. Diterpene Biosynthesis from Geranylgeranyl Diphosphate Analogues with Changed Reactivities Expands Skeletal Diversity. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202211054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Heng Li
- University of Bonn: Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universitat Bonn Kekulé-Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry GERMANY
| | - Jeroen S. Dickschat
- University of Bonn: Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universitat Bonn Kekulé Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry Gerhard-Domagk-Straße 1 53121 Bonn GERMANY
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38
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Xing B, Xu H, Li A, Lou T, Xu M, Wang K, Xu Z, Dickschat JS, Yang D, Ma M. Crystal Structure Based Mutagenesis of Cattleyene Synthase Leads to the Generation of Rearranged Polycyclic Diterpenes. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202209785. [PMID: 35819825 PMCID: PMC9543850 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202209785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Baiying Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Peking University 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District Beijing 100191 China
| | - Houchao Xu
- Kekulé-Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Bonn Gerhard-Domagk-Strasse 1 53121 Bonn Germany
| | - Annan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Peking University 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District Beijing 100191 China
| | - Tingting Lou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Peking University 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District Beijing 100191 China
| | - Meng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Peking University 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District Beijing 100191 China
| | - Kaibiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Peking University 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District Beijing 100191 China
| | - Zhengren Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Peking University 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District Beijing 100191 China
| | - Jeroen S. Dickschat
- Kekulé-Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Bonn Gerhard-Domagk-Strasse 1 53121 Bonn Germany
| | - Donghui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Peking University 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District Beijing 100191 China
| | - Ming Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Peking University 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District Beijing 100191 China
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39
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Xing B, Xu H, Li A, Lou T, Xu M, Wang K, Xu Z, Dickschat JS, Yang D, Ma M. Crystal Structure Based Mutagenesis of Cattleyene Synthase Leads to the Generation of Rearranged Polycyclic Diterpenes. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202209785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Baiying Xing
- Peking University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Department of Natural Medicines CHINA
| | - Houchao Xu
- University of Bonn: Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universitat Bonn Organic chemistry and biochemistry GERMANY
| | - Annan Li
- Peking University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Department of Natural Medicines CHINA
| | - Tingting Lou
- Peking University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Department of Natural Medicines CHINA
| | - Meng Xu
- Peking University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Department of Natural Medicines CHINA
| | - Kaibiao Wang
- Peking University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Department of Natural Medicines CHINA
| | - Zhengren Xu
- Peking University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Department of Natural Medicines CHINA
| | - Jeroen S. Dickschat
- University of Bonn: Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universitat Bonn Organic chemistry and biochemistry GERMANY
| | - Donghui Yang
- Peking University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Department of Natural Medicines CHINA
| | - Ming Ma
- Peking University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Department of Natural Medicines 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District 100191 Beijing CHINA
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40
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Abstract
All known triterpenes are generated by triterpene synthases (TrTSs) from squalene or oxidosqualene1. This approach is fundamentally different from the biosynthesis of short-chain (C10–C25) terpenes that are formed from polyisoprenyl diphosphates2–4. In this study, two fungal chimeric class I TrTSs, Talaromyces verruculosus talaropentaene synthase (TvTS) and Macrophomina phaseolina macrophomene synthase (MpMS), were characterized. Both enzymes use dimethylallyl diphosphate and isopentenyl diphosphate or hexaprenyl diphosphate as substrates, representing the first examples, to our knowledge, of non-squalene-dependent triterpene biosynthesis. The cyclization mechanisms of TvTS and MpMS and the absolute configurations of their products were investigated in isotopic labelling experiments. Structural analyses of the terpene cyclase domain of TvTS and full-length MpMS provide detailed insights into their catalytic mechanisms. An AlphaFold2-based screening platform was developed to mine a third TrTS, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides colleterpenol synthase (CgCS). Our findings identify a new enzymatic mechanism for the biosynthesis of triterpenes and enhance understanding of terpene biosynthesis in nature. Chimeric triterpene synthases are identified that catalyse non-squalene-dependent triterpene biosynthesis.
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41
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Huang ZY, Wu QY, Li CX, Yu HL, Xu JH. Facile Production of (+)-Aristolochene and (+)-Bicyclogermacrene in Escherichia coli Using Newly Discovered Sesquiterpene Synthases from Penicillium expansum. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:5860-5868. [PMID: 35506591 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c01885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Penicillium expansum, producer of a wide array of secondary metabolites, has the potential to be a source of new terpene synthases. In this work, a platform was constructed with Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) by enhancing its endogenous 2-methyl-d-erythritol-4-phosphate pathway to supply sufficient terpenoid precursors. Using this precursor-supplying platform, we discovered two sesquiterpene synthases from P. expansum: PeTS1, a new (+)-aristolochene synthase, and PeTS4, the first microbial (+)-bicyclogermacrene synthase. To enhance the sesquiterpene production by PeTS1, we employed a MBP fusion tag to improve the heterologous protein expression, resulting in the increase of aristolochene production up to 50 mg/L in a 72 h flask culture, which is the highest production reported to date. We also realized the first biosynthesis of (+)-bicyclogermacrene, achieving 188 mg/L in 72 h. This work highlights the great potential of this microbial platform for the discovery of new terpene synthases and opens new ways for the bioproduction of other valuable terpenoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Yu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Centre for Biomanufacturing, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing-Yang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Centre for Biomanufacturing, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Xiu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Centre for Biomanufacturing, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Lei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Centre for Biomanufacturing, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-He Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Centre for Biomanufacturing, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, People's Republic of China
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42
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Xu H, Dickschat JS. Hedycaryol – Central Intermediates in Sesquiterpene Biosynthesis, Part II. Chemistry 2022; 28:e202200405. [PMID: 35239190 PMCID: PMC9310801 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202200405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The known sesquiterpenes that arise biosynthetically from hedycaryol are summarised. Reasonings for the assignments of their absolute configurations are discussed. The analysis provided here suggests that reprotonations at the C1=C10 double bond of hedycaryol are directed toward C1 and generally lead to 6–6 bicyclic compounds, while reprotonations at the C4=C5 double bond occur at C4 and result in 5–7 bicyclic compounds. Read more in the Review by H. Xu and J. S. Dickschat (DOI: 10.1002/chem.202200405).
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Affiliation(s)
- Houchao Xu
- Kekulé-Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Bonn Gerhard-Domagk-Straße 1 53121 Bonn Germany
| | - Jeroen S. Dickschat
- Kekulé-Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Bonn Gerhard-Domagk-Straße 1 53121 Bonn Germany
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43
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Wang T, Yang Y, He M, Liu M, Huang JW, Min J, Chen CC, Liu Y, Zhang L, Guo RT. Structural insights into the cyclization of unusual brasilane-type sesquiterpenes. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 209:1784-1791. [PMID: 35504416 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.04.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The biosynthesis of brasilane-type sesquiterpenoids (BTSs) attracts much attention owing to their unique skeleton of 5/6 bicyclic structure that contains five Me groups. Here, the crystal structures of a BTS cyclase TaTC6 from Trichoderma atroviride FKI-3849 and its complexes with farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) and analogue were reported. These structural information reveal that TaTC6 exploits a hydrophobic pocket to constrain the hydrocarbon region of FPP in a "U-shape" to facilitate the initial C1-C11 bond formation after pyrophosphate ionization. Following, four carbocations of reaction intermediates were molecularly docked into the hydrophobic pocket to reveal critical residues involved in the cyclization cascade. Finally, an S239-stabilized water molecule that is 3.9 Å away from the C8 of the last allyl cation may conduct hydration to quench the reaction cascade. Mutating S239 to alanine led to ca. 40% reduction in activity compared with the wild-type enzyme. The conservation of the residues that constitute the hydrophobic pocket is also discussed. Overall, this study will give an insight into the mechanism of how the active site of STCs constrain the conformation of the flexible FPP and series allylic carbocations for the complicated-ring formation and unusual carbon rearrangement in the biosynthesis of BTSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, PR China
| | - Yu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, PR China
| | - Min He
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, PR China
| | - Min Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, PR China
| | - Jian-Wen Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, PR China
| | - Jian Min
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, PR China
| | - Chun-Chi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, PR China
| | - Yingle Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China.
| | - Lilan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, PR China..
| | - Rey-Ting Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, PR China..
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44
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Ringel M, Dimos N, Himpich S, Haack M, Huber C, Eisenreich W, Schenk G, Loll B, Brück T. Biotechnological potential and initial characterization of two novel sesquiterpene synthases from Basidiomycota Coniophora puteana for heterologous production of δ-cadinol. Microb Cell Fact 2022; 21:64. [PMID: 35440053 PMCID: PMC9018054 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-022-01791-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Terpene synthases are versatile catalysts in all domains of life, catalyzing the formation of an enormous variety of different terpenoid secondary metabolites. Due to their diverse bioactive properties, terpenoids are of great interest as innovative ingredients in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. Recent advances in genome sequencing have led to the discovery of numerous terpene synthases, in particular in Basidiomycota like the wood rotting fungus Coniophora puteana, which further enhances the scope for the manufacture of terpenes for industrial purposes. Results In this study we describe the identification of two novel (+)-δ-cadinol synthases from C. puteana, Copu5 and Copu9. The sesquiterpene (+)-δ-cadinol was previously shown to exhibit cytotoxic activity therefore having an application as possible, new, and sustainably sourced anti-tumor agent. In an Escherichia coli strain, optimized for sesquiterpene production, titers of 225 mg l−1 and 395 mg l−1, respectively, could be achieved. Remarkably, both enzymes share the same product profile thereby representing the first two terpene synthases from Basidiomycota with identical product profiles. We solved the crystal structure of Copu9 in its closed conformation, for the first time providing molecular details of sesquiterpene synthase from Basidiomycota. Based on the Copu9 structure, we conducted structure-based mutagenesis of amino acid residues lining the active site, thereby altering the product profile. Interestingly, the mutagenesis study also revealed that despite the conserved product profiles of Copu5 and Copu9 different conformational changes may accompany the catalytic cycle of the two enzymes. This observation suggests that the involvement of tertiary structure elements in the reaction mechanism(s) employed by terpene synthases may be more complex than commonly expected. Conclusion The presented product selectivity and titers of Copu5 and Copu9 may pave the way towards a sustainable, biotechnological production of the potentially new bioactive (+)-δ-cadinol. Furthermore, Copu5 and Copu9 may serve as model systems for further mechanistic studies of terpenoid catalysis. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12934-022-01791-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Ringel
- Werner Siemens Chair of Synthetic Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstr. 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Nicole Dimos
- Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Structural Biochemistry Laboratory, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustr. 6, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephanie Himpich
- Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Structural Biochemistry Laboratory, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustr. 6, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martina Haack
- Werner Siemens Chair of Synthetic Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstr. 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Claudia Huber
- Bavarian NMR Center - Structural Membrane Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Eisenreich
- Bavarian NMR Center - Structural Membrane Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Gerhard Schenk
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, 68 Cooper Rd, Brisbane, 4702, Australia
| | - Bernhard Loll
- Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Structural Biochemistry Laboratory, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustr. 6, 14195, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Thomas Brück
- Werner Siemens Chair of Synthetic Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstr. 4, 85748, Garching, Germany.
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45
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Leferink NGH, Escorcia AM, Ouwersloot BR, Johanissen LO, Hay S, van der Kamp MW, Scrutton NS. Molecular Determinants of Carbocation Cyclisation in Bacterial Monoterpene Synthases. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202100688. [PMID: 35005823 PMCID: PMC9303655 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Monoterpene synthases are often promiscuous enzymes, yielding product mixtures rather than pure compounds due to the nature of the branched reaction mechanism involving reactive carbocations. Two previously identified bacterial monoterpene synthases, a linalool synthase (bLinS) and a cineole synthase (bCinS), produce nearly pure linalool and cineole from geranyl diphosphate, respectively. We used a combined experimental and computational approach to identify critical residues involved in bacterial monoterpenoid synthesis. Phe77 is essential for bCinS activity, guiding the linear carbocation intermediate towards the formation of the cyclic α-terpinyl intermediate; removal of the aromatic ring results in variants that produce acyclic products only. Computational chemistry confirmed the importance of Phe77 in carbocation stabilisation. Phe74, Phe78 and Phe179 are involved in maintaining the active site shape in bCinS without a specific role for the aromatic ring. Phe295 in bLinS, and the equivalent Ala301 in bCinS, are essential for linalool and cineole formation, respectively. Where Phe295 places steric constraints on the carbocation intermediates, Ala301 is essential for bCinS initial cyclisation and activity. Our multidisciplinary approach gives unique insights into how carefully placed amino acid residues in the active site can direct carbocations down specific paths, by placing steric constraints or offering stabilisation via cation-π interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole G H Leferink
- Future Biomanufacturing Research Hub, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
| | - Andrés M Escorcia
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Bodi R Ouwersloot
- Future Biomanufacturing Research Hub, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
| | - Linus O Johanissen
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
| | - Sam Hay
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
| | - Marc W van der Kamp
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
- Centre for Computational Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Nigel S Scrutton
- Future Biomanufacturing Research Hub, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
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Wang X, Wang Z, Zhu G, Jiang L, Zhang W, Huang Y, Cong Z, Zhao YL, Xu JH, Hsiang T, Zhang L, Chen Q, Liu X. Chemical control over the conversion between bicyclic and polycyclic terpenes by fungal bifunctional terpene synthases. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:9476-9479. [DOI: 10.1039/d2cc03644d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The mutation on site 89 in the BFTSs alters the carbocation transportation pathway, which changes the sesterterpene structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinye Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Zhixin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Guoliang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Lan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Weiyan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yiyi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Zhanren Cong
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yi-Lei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, MOE-LSB & MOE-LSC, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jian-He Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Tom Hsiang
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Lixin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Qi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xueting Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
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Zhuang J, Zhang F, Tang X, Liu C, Huang M, Xie H, Wu R. Insights into Enzymatic Catalytic Mechanism of bCinS: The Importance of Protein Conformational Change. Catal Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d1cy01913a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Although the available crystal structures of BCinS (Streptomyces clavuligerus 1,8-cineole synthase), a typic class I terpene cyclases (TPCs), have shown notable protein conformational flexibility once binding with the substrate, the...
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49
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Abstract
Valerena-1,10-diene synthase (VDS) catalyzes the conversion of the universal precursor farnesyl diphosphate into the unusual sesquiterpene valerena-1,10-diene (VLD), which possesses a unique isobutenyl substituent group. In planta, one of VLD's isobutenyl terminal methyl groups becomes oxidized to a carboxylic acid forming valerenic acid (VA), an allosteric modulator of the GABAA receptor. Because a structure-activity relationship study of VA for its modulatory activity is desired, we sought to manipulate the VDS enzyme for the biosynthesis of structurally diverse scaffolds that could ultimately lead to the generation of VA analogues. Using three-dimensional structural homology models, phylogenetic sequence comparisons to well-characterized sesquiterpene synthases, and a substrate-active site contact mapping approach, the contributions of specific amino acid residues within or near the VDS active site to possible catalytic cascades for VLD and other sesquiterpene products were assessed. An essential role of Tyr535 in a germacrenyl route to VLD was demonstrated, while its contribution to a family of other sesquiterpenes derived from a humulyl route was not. No role for Cys415 or Cys452 serving as a proton donor to reaction intermediates in VLD biosynthesis was observed. However, a gatekeeper role for Asn455 in directing farnesyl carbocations down all-trans catalytic cascades (humulyl and germacrenyl routes) versus a cisoid cascade (nerolidyl route) was demonstrated. Altogether, these results have mapped residues that establish a context for the catalytic cascades operating in VDS and future manipulations for generating more structurally constrained scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrett E Zinck
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0596, United States
| | - Joe Chappell
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0596, United States
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Chen Y, Li D, Ling Y, Liu Y, Zuo Z, Gan L, Luo S, Hua J, Chen D, Xu F, Li M, Guo K, Liu Y, Gershenzon J, Li S. A Cryptic Plant Terpene Cyclase Producing Unconventional 18‐ and 14‐Membered Macrocyclic C
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and C
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Terpenoids with Immunosuppressive Activity. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202110842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yue‐Gui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, and Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Chengdu 611137 P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China & Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of, Sciences Kunming 650201 P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 P. R. China
| | - De‐Sen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, and Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Chengdu 611137 P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China & Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of, Sciences Kunming 650201 P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 P. R. China
| | - Yi Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China & Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of, Sciences Kunming 650201 P. R. China
| | - Yan‐Chun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China & Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of, Sciences Kunming 650201 P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 P. R. China
| | - Zhi‐Li Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China & Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of, Sciences Kunming 650201 P. R. China
| | - Li‐She Gan
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences Wuyi University Jiangmen 529020 P. R. China
| | - Shi‐Hong Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China & Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of, Sciences Kunming 650201 P. R. China
| | - Juan Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China & Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of, Sciences Kunming 650201 P. R. China
| | - Ding‐Yuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China & Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of, Sciences Kunming 650201 P. R. China
| | - Fan Xu
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences Wuyi University Jiangmen 529020 P. R. China
| | - Man Li
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China & Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of, Sciences Kunming 650201 P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 P. R. China
| | - Kai Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, and Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Chengdu 611137 P. R. China
| | - Yan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, and Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Chengdu 611137 P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China & Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of, Sciences Kunming 650201 P. R. China
| | | | - Sheng‐Hong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, and Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Chengdu 611137 P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China & Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of, Sciences Kunming 650201 P. R. China
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