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Li J, Liu X, Zhu X, Liu J, Zhang L, Ahmed N, Qi J, Chen B, Tang D, Yu J, Fan Z, Jiang H. Biochemical synthesis of taxanes from mevalonate. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2024; 9:694-700. [PMID: 38868609 PMCID: PMC11166602 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2024.05.002] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Taxanes are kinds of diterpenoids with important bioactivities, such as paclitaxel (taxol®) is an excellent natural broad-spectrum anticancer drug. Attempts to biosynthesize taxanes have made with limited success, mainly due to the bottleneck of the low efficiency catalytic elements. In this study, we developed an artificial synthetic system to produce taxanes from mevalonate (MVA) by coupling biological and chemical methods, which comprises in vitro multi-enzyme catalytic module, chemical catalytic module and yeast cell catalytic module. Through optimizing in vitro multienzyme catalytic system, the yield of taxadiene was increased to 946.7 mg/L from MVA within 8 h and the productivity was 14.2-fold higher than microbial fermentation. By incorporating palladium catalysis, the conversion rate of Taxa-4(20),11(12)-dien-5α-yl acetate (T5α-AC) reached 48 %, effectively addressing the product promiscuity and the low yield rate of T5αOH. Finally, we optimized the expression of T10βOH in yeast resulting in the biosynthesis of Taxa-4(20),11(12)-dien-5α-acetoxy-10β-ol(T5α-AC-10β-ol) at a production of 15.8 mg/L, which displayed more than 2000-fold higher than that produced by co-culture fermentation strategy. These technologies offered a promising new approach for efficient synthesis of taxanes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, 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
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, 300308, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaoxi Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, 300308, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jiayu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, 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
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, 300308, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jian Qi
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, 300308, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Bihuan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Daliang Tang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Jinsheng Yu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Zhijin Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Huifeng Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, 300308, China
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Golubova D, Tansley C, Su H, Patron NJ. Engineering Nicotiana benthamiana as a platform for natural product biosynthesis. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 81:102611. [PMID: 39098308 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2024.102611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Nicotiana benthamiana is a model plant, widely used for research. The susceptibility of young plants to Agrobacterium tumefaciens has been utilised for transient gene expression, enabling the production of recombinant proteins at laboratory and commercial scales. More recently, this technique has been used for the rapid prototyping of synthetic genetic circuits and for the elucidation and reconstruction of metabolic pathways. In the last few years, many complex metabolic pathways have been successfully reconstructed in this species. In addition, the availability of improved genomic resources and efficient gene editing tools have enabled the application of sophisticated metabolic engineering approaches to increase the purity and yield of target compounds. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the use of N. benthamiana for understanding and engineering plant metabolism, as well as efforts to improve the utility of this species as a production chassis for natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Golubova
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UZ, UK
| | - C Tansley
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UZ, UK; Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, UK
| | - H Su
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UZ, UK
| | - N J Patron
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UZ, UK; Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, UK.
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Xue C, Zhang M, Yao R. Gapless biosynthetic pathway enables sustainable paclitaxel production. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 29:948-951. [PMID: 38789308 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2024.05.005] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
A recent leading-edge study by Jiang et al. identified two enzymes that are responsible for key reactions in the biosynthesis of baccatin III. The authors successfully reconstructed the baccatin III synthesis pathway with a minimal number of synthetic enzymes in tobacco leaves, laying the foundation for industrial-scale sustainable production of the anticancer drug paclitaxel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengfeng Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Yuelushan Laboratory, Changsha 410082, China; Greater Bay Area Institute for Innovation, Hunan University, Guangzhou 511300, China; Shenzhen Research Institute, Hunan University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Yuelushan Laboratory, Changsha 410082, China; Greater Bay Area Institute for Innovation, Hunan University, Guangzhou 511300, China; Shenzhen Research Institute, Hunan University, Shenzhen 518000, China.
| | - Ruifeng Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Yuelushan Laboratory, Changsha 410082, China; Greater Bay Area Institute for Innovation, Hunan University, Guangzhou 511300, China; Shenzhen Research Institute, Hunan University, Shenzhen 518000, China.
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Yin Z, Huang W, Li K, Fernie AR, Yan S. Advances in mass spectrometry imaging for plant metabolomics-Expanding the analytical toolbox. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 119:2168-2180. [PMID: 38990529 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) has become increasingly popular in plant science due to its ability to characterize complex chemical, spatial, and temporal aspects of plant metabolism. Over the past decade, as the emerging and unique features of various MSI techniques have continued to support new discoveries in studies of plant metabolism closely associated with various aspects of plant function and physiology, spatial metabolomics based on MSI techniques has positioned it at the forefront of plant metabolic studies, providing the opportunity for far higher resolution than was previously available. Despite these efforts, profound challenges at the levels of spatial resolution, sensitivity, quantitative ability, chemical confidence, isomer discrimination, and spatial multi-omics integration, undoubtedly remain. In this Perspective, we provide a contemporary overview of the emergent MSI techniques widely used in the plant sciences, with particular emphasis on recent advances in methodological breakthroughs. Having established the detailed context of MSI, we outline both the golden opportunities and key challenges currently facing plant metabolomics, presenting our vision as to how the enormous potential of MSI technologies will contribute to progress in plant science in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhibin Yin
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Crop Germplasm Resources Preservation and Utilization, Agro-biological Gene Research Center, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong, China
- Institute of Advanced Science Facilities, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenjie Huang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Crop Germplasm Resources Preservation and Utilization, Agro-biological Gene Research Center, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong, China
| | - Kun Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Crop Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong, China
| | - Alisdair R Fernie
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Shijuan Yan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Crop Germplasm Resources Preservation and Utilization, Agro-biological Gene Research Center, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong, China
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Li L, Fu J, Liu N. Advances in the Structures, Pharmacological Activities, and Biosynthesis of Plant Diterpenoids. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 34:1563-1579. [PMID: 39081244 PMCID: PMC11380518 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2402.02014] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
More and more diterpenoids have attracted extensive attention due to the diverse chemical structures and excellent biological activities, and have been developed into clinical drugs or consumer products. The vast majority of diterpenoids are derived from plants. With the long-term development of plant medicinal materials, the natural resources of many plant diterpenoids are decreasing, and the biosynthetic mechanism of key active components has increasingly become a research hotspot. Using synthetic biology to engineer microorganisms into "cell factories" to produce the desired compounds is an essential means to solve these problems. In this review, we depict the plant-derived diterpenoids from chemical structure, biological activities, and biosynthetic pathways. We use representative plant diterpenes as examples to expound the research progress on their biosynthesis, and summarize the heterologous production of plant diterpenoids in microorganisms in recent years, hoping to lay the foundation for the development and application of plant diterpenoids in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, P.R. China
| | - Jia Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, P.R. China
| | - Nan Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, P.R. China
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6
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Escrich A, Jonguitud-Borrego N, Malci K, Sanchez-Muñoz R, Palazon J, Rios-Solis L, Moyano E. A novel step towards the heterologous biosynthesis of paclitaxel: Characterization of T1βOH taxane hydroxylase. Metab Eng 2024; 85:201-212. [PMID: 39197725 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2024.08.005] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024]
Abstract
In the quest for innovative cancer therapeutics, paclitaxel remains a cornerstone in clinical oncology. However, its complex biosynthetic pathway, particularly the intricate oxygenation steps, has remained a puzzle in the decades following the characterization of the last taxane hydroxylase. The high divergence and promiscuity of enzymes involved have posed significant challenges. In this study, we adopted an innovative approach, combining in silico methods and functional gene analysis, to shed light on this elusive pathway. Our molecular docking investigations using a library of potential ligands uncovered TB574 as a potential missing enzyme in the paclitaxel biosynthetic pathway, demonstrating auspicious interactions. Complementary in vivo assays utilizing engineered S. cerevisiae strains as novel microbial cell factory consortia not only validated TB574's critical role in forging the elusive paclitaxel intermediate, T5αAc-1β,10β-diol, but also achieved the biosynthesis of paclitaxel precursors at an unprecedented yield including T5αAc-1β,10β-diol with approximately 40 mg/L. This achievement is highly promising, offering a new direction for further exploration of a novel metabolic engineering approaches using microbial consortia. In conclusion, our study not only furthers study the roles of previously uncharacterized enzymes in paclitaxel biosynthesis but also forges a path for pioneering advancements in the complete understanding of paclitaxel biosynthesis and its heterologous production. The characterization of T1βOH underscores a significant leap forward for future advancements in paclitaxel production using heterologous systems to improve cancer treatment and pharmaceutical production, thereby holding immense promise for enhancing the efficacy of cancer therapies and the efficiency of pharmaceutical manufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ainoa Escrich
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nestor Jonguitud-Borrego
- Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
| | - Koray Malci
- Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
| | - Raul Sanchez-Muñoz
- Laboratory of Functional Plant Biology, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Javier Palazon
- Department of Biology, Healthcare and the Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Leonardo Rios-Solis
- Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, United Kingdom; Department of Biochemical Engineering, The Advanced Centre for Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 6EB, United Kingdom.
| | - Elisabeth Moyano
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.
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Gong Q, Aoki D, Yoshida M, Fukushima K. Microscopic distribution of taxanes in freeze-fixed stems of Taxus cuspidata. Front Chem 2024; 12:1437141. [PMID: 39189021 PMCID: PMC11345223 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2024.1437141] [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: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Taxus species contain the anticancer alkaloid paclitaxel, as well as other taxanes similar in structure and potentially in effect to paclitaxel. Tissue-specific distribution patterns and seasonal variations of taxanes in some Taxus species have been reported; however, it is still under-presented for the taxanes in Taxus cuspidata. Methods The radial distributions of eight taxanes in the transverse surface of freeze-fixed T. cuspidata stems from the late summer and the spring seasons were investigated by cryo-time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy (cryo-TOF-SIMS/SEM) visualization and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) quantitative analysis. By optical microscopic observation, seasonal differences in the amounts and distribution patterns of target taxanes were further characterized in specific tissues. Results and Discussion The overall amount of taxanes was higher in the late summer than in the spring. Also, taxanes' radial distribution was generally found at higher concentration in the phloem, the cambium and lower level in the periderm, the latest-forming xylem, with different taxanes showing several patterns with distinction between seasons, which were considered related to seasonal plant physiological behaviors. In addition, the distribution of baccatin III (BAC) was investigated at the cellular level, which was regarded in specific cells suggesting its transport in the radial and axial directions in the T. cuspidata stem. Characterizing the microscopic distribution of taxanes in the T. cuspidata stem is expected to play a role in the further study of their biosynthesis and in planta behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dan Aoki
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
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Seligmann B, Liu S, Franke J. Chemical tools for unpicking plant specialised metabolic pathways. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 80:102554. [PMID: 38820646 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2024.102554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Elucidating the biochemical pathways of specialised metabolites in plants is key to enable or improve their sustainable biotechnological production. Chemical tools can greatly facilitate the discovery of biosynthetic genes and enzymes. Here, we summarise transdisciplinary approaches where methods from chemistry and chemical biology helped to overcome key challenges of pathway elucidation. Based on recent examples, we describe how state-of-the-art isotope labelling experiments can guide the selection of biosynthetic gene candidates, how affinity-based probes enable the identification of novel enzymes, how semisynthesis can improve the availability of elusive pathway intermediates, and how biomimetic reactions provide a better understanding of inherent chemical reactivity. We anticipate that a wider application of such chemical methods will accelerate the pace of pathway elucidation in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Seligmann
- Leibniz University Hannover, Institute of Botany, Herrenhäuser Str. 2, 30419 Hannover, Germany
| | - Shenyu Liu
- Leibniz University Hannover, Centre of Biomolecular Drug Research (BMWZ), Schneiderberg 38, 30167 Hannover, Germany
| | - Jakob Franke
- Leibniz University Hannover, Institute of Botany, Herrenhäuser Str. 2, 30419 Hannover, Germany; Leibniz University Hannover, Centre of Biomolecular Drug Research (BMWZ), Schneiderberg 38, 30167 Hannover, Germany.
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9
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Gärditz KF, Czesnick H. Paclitaxel - a Product of Fungal Secondary Metabolism or an Artefact? PLANTA MEDICA 2024; 90:726-735. [PMID: 38754434 PMCID: PMC11254485 DOI: 10.1055/a-2309-6298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Taxol (common name: paclitaxel) is an extremely important component of drugs for the treatment of various cancers. Thirty years after the discovery of its effectiveness, a metabolic precursor of Taxol (10-deacetylbaccatin III) is still primarily extracted from needles of European yew trees. In order to meet the considerable demand, hopes were pinned on the possibilities of biotechnological production from the very beginning. In 1993, as if by chance, Taxol was supposedly discovered in fungi that grow endobiotically in yew trees. This finding aroused hopes of biotechnological use to produce fungal Taxol in large quantities in fermenters. It never came to that. Instead, a confusing flood of publications emerged that claimed to have detected Taxol in more and more eukaryotic and even prokaryotic species. However, researchers never reproduced these rather puzzling results, and they could certainly not be applied on an industrial scale. This paper will show that some of the misguided approaches were apparently based on a seemingly careless handling of sparse evidence and on at least questionable publications. Apparently, the desired gold rush of commercial exploitation was seductive. Scientific skepticism as an indispensable core of good scientific practice was often neglected, and the peer review process has not exerted its corrective effect. Self-critical reflection and more healthy skepticism could help to reduce the risk of such aberrations in drug development. This article uses this case study as a striking example to show what can be learned from the Taxol case in terms of research ethics and the avoidance of questionable research practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Ferdinand Gärditz
- Institute of Public Law, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Ombudsman for suspected cases of scientific misconduct, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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10
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Oudin A, Papon N, Courdavault V. Metabolic engineering of the paclitaxel anticancer drug. Cell Res 2024; 34:475-476. [PMID: 38486059 PMCID: PMC11217410 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-024-00950-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Oudin
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, BBV, EA2106, Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Nicolas Papon
- Univ Angers, Univ Brest, IRF, SFR ICAT, F-49000, Angers, France
| | - Vincent Courdavault
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, BBV, EA2106, Université de Tours, Tours, France.
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11
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Durand M, Besseau S, Papon N, Courdavault V. Unlocking plant bioactive pathways: omics data harnessing and machine learning assisting. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 87:103135. [PMID: 38728826 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Plant bioactives hold immense potential in the medicine and food industry. The recent advancements in omics applied in deciphering specialized metabolic pathways underscore the importance of high-quality genome releases and the wealth of data in metabolomics and transcriptomics. While harnessing data, whether integrated or standalone, has proven successful in unveiling plant natural product (PNP) biosynthetic pathways, the democratization of machine learning in biology opens exciting new opportunities for enhancing the exploration of these pathways. This review highlights the recent breakthroughs in disrupting plant-specialized biosynthetic pathways through the utilization of omics data harnessing and machine learning techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mickael Durand
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| | - Sébastien Besseau
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| | - Nicolas Papon
- Univ Angers, Univ Brest, IRF, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France
| | - Vincent Courdavault
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France.
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12
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Han J, Miller EP, Li S. Cutting-edge plant natural product pathway elucidation. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 87:103137. [PMID: 38677219 PMCID: PMC11192039 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103137] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Plant natural products (PNPs) play important roles in plant physiology and have been applied across diverse fields of human society. Understanding their biosynthetic pathways informs plant evolution and meanwhile enables sustainable production through metabolic engineering. However, the discovery of PNP biosynthetic pathways remains challenging due to the diversity of enzymes involved and limitations in traditional gene mining approaches. In this review, we will summarize state-of-the-art strategies and recent examples for predicting and characterizing PNP biosynthetic pathways, respectively, with multiomics-guided tools and heterologous host systems and share our perspectives on the systematic pipelines integrating these various bioinformatic and biochemical approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianing Han
- Robert F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Emma Parker Miller
- Plant Biology Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Sijin Li
- Robert F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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13
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Xie L, Gao J, Zhou YJ. Synthetic biology for Taxol biosynthesis and sustainable production. Trends Biotechnol 2024; 42:674-676. [PMID: 38609783 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2024.04.001] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Incomplete understanding of the biosynthetic pathway of the anticancer compound Taxol hinders its production by metabolic engineering. Recent reports by Jiang et al. and other groups now describe the missing steps in Taxol biosynthesis, notably including oxetane ring formation. These findings will promote the sustainable production of Taxol through synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linfeng Xie
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116023, PR China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Jiaoqi Gao
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116023, PR China; CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, PR China; Dalian Key Laboratory of Energy Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116023, PR China
| | - Yongjin J Zhou
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116023, PR China; CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, PR China; Dalian Key Laboratory of Energy Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116023, PR China.
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14
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Gao J, Gou Y, Huang L, Lian J. Reconstitution and optimization of complex plant natural product biosynthetic pathways in microbial expression systems. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 87:103136. [PMID: 38705090 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Plant natural products (PNPs) are a diverse group of chemical compounds synthesized by plants for various biological purposes and play a significant role in the fields of medicine, agriculture, and industry. In recent years, the development of synthetic biology promises the production of PNPs in microbial expression systems in a sustainable, low-cost, and large-scale manner. This review first introduces multiplex genome editing and PNP pathway assembly in microbial expression systems. Then recent technologies and examples geared toward improving PNP biosynthetic efficiency are discussed from three aspects: pathway optimization, chassis optimization, and modular coculture engineering. Finally, the review is concluded with future perspectives on the combination of machine learning and BioFoundry for the reconstitution and optimization of PNP microbial cell factories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jucan Gao
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education & National Key Laboratory of Biobased Transportation Fuel Technology, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China; ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Yuanwei Gou
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education & National Key Laboratory of Biobased Transportation Fuel Technology, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China; ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Lei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education & National Key Laboratory of Biobased Transportation Fuel Technology, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China; ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Jiazhang Lian
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education & National Key Laboratory of Biobased Transportation Fuel Technology, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China; ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China.
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15
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Sadre R. Plant synthetic biology for human health: advances in producing medicines in heterologous expression systems. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 87:103142. [PMID: 38735192 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Plant synthetic biology has the capability to provide solutions to global challenges in the production and supply of medicines. Recent advances in 'omics' technologies have accelerated gene discoveries in medicinal plant research so that even multistep biosynthetic pathways for bioactive plant natural products with high structural complexity can be reconstituted in heterologous plant expression systems more rapidly. This review provides an overview of concept and strategies used to produce high-value plant natural products in heterologous plant systems and highlights recent successes in engineering the biosynthesis of conventional and new medicines in alternative plant hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radin Sadre
- Pelotonia Research Center, Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, the Ohio State University, 2255 Kenny Rd, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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16
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Tan RX, Chen XY. Uncovering the baccatin III biosynthetic pathway for sustainable taxoid supply. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2024; 69:1182-1184. [PMID: 38514298 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2024.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Ren Xiang Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Functional Biomolecules, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Xiao-Ya Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China.
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17
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Gou Y, Jiang X, Lian J. Intricate Metabolic Network for Paclitaxel Biosynthesis. BIODESIGN RESEARCH 2024; 6:0035. [PMID: 38725579 PMCID: PMC11079447 DOI: 10.34133/bdr.0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Paclitaxel is a renowned broad-spectrum anticancer drug. With the establishment of a chromosome-level high-quality reference genome map of Taxus, recent research on paclitaxel biosynthesis has flourished. The oxetane ring is a distinctive chemical moiety of paclitaxel, and three recent studies have proposed different enzymes involved in its formation, reflecting divergent opinions on whether the pathway proceeds via acetylation followed by epoxidation or vice versa. Subsequently, researchers have elucidated gene clusters responsible for the biosynthesis of the key intermediate baccatin III. Despite varying reports, two studies successfully achieved heterologous biosynthesis of baccatin III by transient expression in tobacco. Taxadiene 5α-hydroxylase (T5αH), the first cytochrome P450 in the pathway, exhibited varied product profiles upon heterologous expression systems, contrasting with observations in native Taxus species, probably due to differences in partner proteins or cellular microenvironments. Further elucidation of biosynthesis mechanisms, including the reaction order and the promiscuity of key enzymes, is anticipated through collaborative efforts among botanists, chemists, and synthetic biologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanwei Gou
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, National Key Laboratory of Biobased Transportation Fuel Technology, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering,
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
- ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center,
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Xiaojing Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, National Key Laboratory of Biobased Transportation Fuel Technology, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering,
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Jiazhang Lian
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, National Key Laboratory of Biobased Transportation Fuel Technology, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering,
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
- ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center,
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
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18
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Sun MS, Jia Y, Chen XY, Chen JS, Guo Y, Fu FF, Xue LJ. Regulatory microRNAs and phasiRNAs of paclitaxel biosynthesis in Taxus chinensis. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1403060. [PMID: 38779066 PMCID: PMC11109412 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1403060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Paclitaxel (trade name Taxol) is a rare diterpenoid with anticancer activity isolated from Taxus. At present, paclitaxel is mainly produced by the semi-synthetic method using extract of Taxus tissues as raw materials. The studies of regulatory mechanisms in paclitaxel biosynthesis would promote the production of paclitaxel through tissue/cell culture approaches. Here, we systematically identified 990 transcription factors (TFs), 460 microRNAs (miRNAs), and 160 phased small interfering RNAs (phasiRNAs) in Taxus chinensis to explore their interactions and potential roles in regulation of paclitaxel synthesis. The expression levels of enzyme genes in cone and root were higher than those in leaf and bark. Nearly all enzyme genes in the paclitaxel synthesis pathway were significantly up-regulated after jasmonate treatment, except for GGPPS and CoA Ligase. The expression level of enzyme genes located in the latter steps of the synthesis pathway was significantly higher in female barks than in male. Regulatory TFs were inferred through co-expression network analysis, resulting in the identification of TFs from diverse families including MYB and AP2. Genes with ADP binding and copper ion binding functions were overrepresented in targets of miRNA genes. The miRNA targets were mainly enriched with genes in plant hormone signal transduction, mRNA surveillance pathway, cell cycle and DNA replication. Genes in oxidoreductase activity, protein-disulfide reductase activity were enriched in targets of phasiRNAs. Regulatory networks were further constructed including components of enzyme genes, TFs, miRNAs, and phasiRNAs. The hierarchical regulation of paclitaxel production by miRNAs and phasiRNAs indicates a robust regulation at post-transcriptional level. Our study on transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of paclitaxel synthesis provides clues for enhancing paclitaxel production using synthetic biology technology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Fang-Fang Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Biotechnology of Educational Department of China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liang-Jiao Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Biotechnology of Educational Department of China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
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19
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DU J, Liao P, Lu X. Identification of missing CYP450 enzymes involved in paclitaxel biosynthesis and heterologous reconstitution of baccatin III. Chin J Nat Med 2024; 22:291-292. [PMID: 38658092 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(24)60624-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Jinfa DU
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Pan Liao
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China; State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Beijing 100700, China; Medical Botanical Garden, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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20
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Yang C, Wang Y, Su Z, Xiong L, Wang P, Lei W, Yan X, Ma D, Zhao G, Zhou Z. Biosynthesis of the highly oxygenated tetracyclic core skeleton of Taxol. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2339. [PMID: 38490987 PMCID: PMC10942993 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46583-3] [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: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Taxol is a widely-applied anticancer drug that inhibits microtubule dynamics in actively replicating cells. Although a minimum 19-step biosynthetic pathway has been proposed and 16 enzymes likely involved have been characterized, stepwise biosynthetic reactions from the well-characterized di-oxygenated taxoids to Taxol tetracyclic core skeleton are yet to be elucidated. Here, we uncover the biosynthetic pathways for a few tri-oxygenated taxoids via confirming the critical reaction order of the second and third hydroxylation steps, unearth a taxoid 9α-hydroxylase catalyzing the fourth hydroxylation, and identify CYP725A55 catalyzing the oxetane ester formation via a cascade oxidation-concerted acyl rearrangement mechanism. After identifying a acetyltransferase catalyzing the formation of C7-OAc, the pathway producing the highly-oxygenated 1β-dehydroxybaccatin VI with the Taxol tetracyclic core skeleton is elucidated and its complete biosynthesis from taxa-4(20),11(12)-diene-5α-ol is achieved in an engineered yeast. These systematic studies lay the foundation for the complete elucidation of the biosynthetic pathway of Taxol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengshuai Yang
- Key Laboratories of Plant Design and Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Key Laboratories of Plant Design and Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Su
- Key Laboratories of Plant Design and Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lunyi Xiong
- Key Laboratories of Plant Design and Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Pingping Wang
- Key Laboratories of Plant Design and Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Lei
- Shanghai Research Institute of Chemical Industry, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing Yan
- Key Laboratories of Plant Design and Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Dawei Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Guoping Zhao
- Key Laboratories of Plant Design and Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
- Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Zhihua Zhou
- Key Laboratories of Plant Design and Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
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21
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Liu X, Zhu X, Cheng J, Jiang H. A new era for paclitaxel biosynthesis is coming. MOLECULAR PLANT 2024; 17:370-371. [PMID: 38243592 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2024.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China; National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China.
| | - Xiaoxi Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China; National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, 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; National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Huifeng Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China; National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China.
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22
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Liu F, Fernie AR, Zhang Y. Plant gene co-expression defines the biosynthetic pathway of neuroactive alkaloids. MOLECULAR PLANT 2024; 17:372-374. [PMID: 38321739 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2024.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Seed Innovation, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China
| | - Alisdair R Fernie
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany; Center for Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
| | - Youjun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Seed Innovation, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China.
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23
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Frey M, Bathe U, Meink L, Balcke GU, Schmidt J, Frolov A, Soboleva A, Hassanin A, Davari MD, Frank O, Schlagbauer V, Dawid C, Tissier A. Combinatorial biosynthesis in yeast leads to over 200 diterpenoids. Metab Eng 2024; 82:193-200. [PMID: 38387676 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2024.02.006] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Diterpenoids form a diverse group of natural products, many of which are or could become pharmaceuticals or industrial chemicals. The modular character of diterpene biosynthesis and the promiscuity of the enzymes involved make combinatorial biosynthesis a promising approach to generate libraries of diverse diterpenoids. Here, we report on the combinatorial assembly in yeast of ten diterpene synthases producing (+)-copalyl diphosphate-derived backbones and four cytochrome P450 oxygenases (CYPs) in diverse combinations. This resulted in the production of over 200 diterpenoids. Based on literature and chemical database searches, 162 of these compounds can be considered new-to-Nature. The CYPs accepted most substrates they were given but remained regioselective with few exceptions. Our results provide the basis for the systematic exploration of the diterpenoid chemical space in yeast using sequence databases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Frey
- Department of Cell and Metabolic Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ulschan Bathe
- Department of Cell and Metabolic Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany; Department of Horticultural Sciences, University of Florida, 2550 Hull Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Luca Meink
- Department of Cell and Metabolic Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Gerd U Balcke
- Department of Cell and Metabolic Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jürgen Schmidt
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Andrej Frolov
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Alena Soboleva
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ahmed Hassanin
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany; Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Mehdi D Davari
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Oliver Frank
- Food Chemistry and Molecular Sensory Science, Technical University of Munich, Lise-Meitner-Straße 34, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Verena Schlagbauer
- Food Chemistry and Molecular Sensory Science, Technical University of Munich, Lise-Meitner-Straße 34, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Corinna Dawid
- Food Chemistry and Molecular Sensory Science, Technical University of Munich, Lise-Meitner-Straße 34, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Alain Tissier
- Department of Cell and Metabolic Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany; Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Institute of Pharmacy, Kurt-Mothes-Strasse 3, 06120 Halle, Germany.
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24
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Jiang B, Gao L, Wang H, Sun Y, Zhang X, Ke H, Liu S, Ma P, Liao Q, Wang Y, Wang H, Liu Y, Du R, Rogge T, Li W, Shang Y, Houk KN, Xiong X, Xie D, Huang S, Lei X, Yan J. Characterization and heterologous reconstitution of Taxus biosynthetic enzymes leading to baccatin III. Science 2024; 383:622-629. [PMID: 38271490 DOI: 10.1126/science.adj3484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Paclitaxel is a well known anticancer compound. Its biosynthesis involves the formation of a highly functionalized diterpenoid core skeleton (baccatin III) and the subsequent assembly of a phenylisoserinoyl side chain. Despite intensive investigation for half a century, the complete biosynthetic pathway of baccatin III remains unknown. In this work, we identified a bifunctional cytochrome P450 enzyme [taxane oxetanase 1 (TOT1)] in Taxus mairei that catalyzes an oxidative rearrangement in paclitaxel oxetane formation, which represents a previously unknown enzyme mechanism for oxetane ring formation. We created a screening strategy based on the taxusin biosynthesis pathway and uncovered the enzyme responsible for the taxane oxidation of the C9 position (T9αH1). Finally, we artificially reconstituted a biosynthetic pathway for the production of baccatin III in tobacco.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Jiang
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lei Gao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Haijun Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yaping Sun
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolin Zhang
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Han Ke
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Shengchao Liu
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Pengchen Ma
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Qinggang Liao
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yugeng Liu
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ran Du
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Torben Rogge
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yi Shang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Potato Biology, The CAAS-YNNU-YINMORE Joint Academy of Potato Sciences, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
| | - K N Houk
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xingyao Xiong
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Daoxin Xie
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Sanwen Huang
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoguang Lei
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Institute for Cancer Research, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianbin Yan
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
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25
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Zhao Y, Liang F, Xie Y, Duan YT, Andeadelli A, Pateraki I, Makris AM, Pomorski TG, Staerk D, Kampranis SC. Oxetane Ring Formation in Taxol Biosynthesis Is Catalyzed by a Bifunctional Cytochrome P450 Enzyme. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:801-810. [PMID: 38129385 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c10864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Taxol is a potent drug used in various cancer treatments. Its complex structure has prompted extensive research into its biosynthesis. However, certain critical steps, such as the formation of the oxetane ring, which is essential for its activity, have remained unclear. Previous proposals suggested that oxetane formation follows the acetylation of taxadien-5α-ol. Here, we proposed that the oxetane ring is formed by cytochrome P450-mediated oxidation events that occur prior to C5 acetylation. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the genomic and transcriptomic information for Taxus species to identify cytochrome P450 candidates and employed two independent systems, yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and plant (Nicotiana benthamiana), for their characterization. We revealed that a single enzyme, CYP725A4, catalyzes two successive epoxidation events, leading to the formation of the oxetane ring. We further showed that both taxa-4(5)-11(12)-diene (endotaxadiene) and taxa-4(20)-11(12)-diene (exotaxadiene) are precursors to the key intermediate, taxologenic oxetane, indicating the potential existence of multiple routes in the Taxol pathway. Thus, we unveiled a long-elusive step in Taxol biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhao
- Biochemical Engineering Group, Plant Biochemistry Section, Department of Plant and Environment Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, Frederiksberg C 1871, Denmark
| | - Feiyan Liang
- Biochemical Engineering Group, Plant Biochemistry Section, Department of Plant and Environment Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, Frederiksberg C 1871, Denmark
| | - Yuman Xie
- Biochemical Engineering Group, Plant Biochemistry Section, Department of Plant and Environment Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, Frederiksberg C 1871, Denmark
| | - Yao-Tao Duan
- Biochemical Engineering Group, Plant Biochemistry Section, Department of Plant and Environment Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, Frederiksberg C 1871, Denmark
| | - Aggeliki Andeadelli
- Institute of Applied Biosciences, Centre for Research & Technology, Hellas (CERTH), Thessaloniki 57001, Greece
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of the Aegean, Myrina 81100, Lemnos, Greece
| | - Irini Pateraki
- Biochemical Engineering Group, Plant Biochemistry Section, Department of Plant and Environment Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, Frederiksberg C 1871, Denmark
| | - Antonios M Makris
- Institute of Applied Biosciences, Centre for Research & Technology, Hellas (CERTH), Thessaloniki 57001, Greece
| | - Thomas G Pomorski
- Transport Section, Department of Plant and Environment Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, Frederiksberg C 1871, Denmark
| | - Dan Staerk
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Sotirios C Kampranis
- Biochemical Engineering Group, Plant Biochemistry Section, Department of Plant and Environment Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, Frederiksberg C 1871, Denmark
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