1
|
Ntelkis N, Goossens A, Šola K. Cell type-specific control and post-translational regulation of specialized metabolism: opening new avenues for plant metabolic engineering. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 81:102575. [PMID: 38901289 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2024.102575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Although plant metabolic engineering enables the sustainable production of valuable metabolites with many applications, we still lack a good understanding of many multi-layered regulatory networks that govern metabolic pathways at the metabolite, protein, transcriptional and cellular level. As transcriptional regulation is better understood and often reviewed, here we highlight recent advances in the cell type-specific and post-translational regulation of plant specialized metabolism. With the advent of single-cell technologies, we are now able to characterize metabolites and their transcriptional regulators at the cellular level, which can refine our searches for missing biosynthetic enzymes and cell type-specific regulators. Post-translational regulation through enzyme inhibition, protein phosphorylation and ubiquitination are clearly evident in specialized metabolism regulation, but not frequently studied or considered in metabolic engineering efforts. Finally, we contemplate how advances in cell type-specific and post-translational regulation can be applied in metabolic engineering efforts in planta, leading to optimization of plants as metabolite production vehicles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Ntelkis
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, B-9052, Ghent, Belgium; VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, B-9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Alain Goossens
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, B-9052, Ghent, Belgium; VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, B-9052, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7600, South Africa.
| | - Krešimir Šola
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, B-9052, Ghent, Belgium; VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, B-9052, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Holtz M, Acevedo-Rocha CG, Jensen MK. Combining enzyme and metabolic engineering for microbial supply of therapeutic phytochemicals. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 87:103110. [PMID: 38503222 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103110] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
The history of pharmacology is deeply intertwined with plant-derived compounds, which continue to be crucial in drug development. However, their complex structures and limited availability in plants challenge drug discovery, optimization, development, and industrial production via chemical synthesis or natural extraction. This review delves into the integration of metabolic and enzyme engineering to leverage micro-organisms as platforms for the sustainable and reliable production of therapeutic phytochemicals. We argue that engineered microbes can serve a triple role in this paradigm: facilitating pathway discovery, acting as cell factories for scalable manufacturing, and functioning as platforms for chemical derivatization. Analyzing recent progress and outlining future directions, the review highlights microbial biotechnology's transformative potential in expanding plant-derived human therapeutics' discovery and supply chains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maxence Holtz
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Carlos G Acevedo-Rocha
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Michael K Jensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cole‐Osborn LF, Meehan E, Lee‐Parsons CWT. Critical parameters for robust Agrobacterium-mediated transient transformation and quantitative promoter assays in Catharanthus roseus seedlings. PLANT DIRECT 2024; 8:e596. [PMID: 38855128 PMCID: PMC11154794 DOI: 10.1002/pld3.596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression methods are widely used to study gene function in both model and non-model plants. Using a dual-luciferase assay, we quantified the effect of Agrobacterium-infiltration parameters on the transient transformation efficiency of Catharanthus roseus seedlings. We showed that transformation efficiency is highly sensitive to seedling developmental state and a pre- and post-infiltration dark incubation and is less sensitive to the Agrobacterium growth stage. For example, 5 versus 6 days of germination in the dark increased seedling transformation efficiency by seven- to eight-fold while a dark incubation pre- and post-infiltration increased transformation efficiency by five- to 13-fold. Agrobacterium in exponential compared with stationary phase increased transformation efficiency by two-fold. Finally, we quantified the variation in our Agrobacterium-infiltration method in replicate infiltrations and experiments. Within a given experiment, significant differences of up to 2.6-fold in raw firefly luciferase (FLUC) and raw Renilla luciferase (RLUC) luminescence occurred in replicate infiltrations. These differences were significantly reduced when FLUC was normalized to RLUC values, highlighting the utility of including a reference reporter to minimize false positives. Including a second experimental replicate further reduced the potential for false positives. This optimization and quantitative validation of Agrobacterium infiltration in C. roseus seedlings will facilitate the study of this important medicinal plant and will expand the application of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation methods in other plant species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma Meehan
- Department of Chemical EngineeringNortheastern UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Carolyn W. T. Lee‐Parsons
- Department of Chemical EngineeringNortheastern UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical BiologyNortheastern UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of BioengineeringNortheastern UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Uzaki M, Mori T, Sato M, Wakazaki M, Takeda-Kamiya N, Yamamoto K, Murakami A, Guerrero DAS, Shichijo C, Ohnishi M, Ishizaki K, Fukaki H, O'Connor SE, Toyooka K, Mimura T, Hirai MY. Integration of cell differentiation and initiation of monoterpenoid indole alkaloid metabolism in seed germination of Catharanthus roseus. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 242:1156-1171. [PMID: 38513692 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19662] [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: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
In Catharanthus roseus, monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIAs) are produced through the cooperation of four cell types, with final products accumulating in specialized cells known as idioblasts and laticifers. To explore the relationship between cellular differentiation and cell type-specific MIA metabolism, we analyzed the expression of MIA biosynthesis in germinating seeds. Embryos from immature and mature seeds were observed via stereomicroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and electron microscopy. Time-series MIA and iridoid quantification, along with transcriptome analysis, were conducted to determine the initiation of MIA biosynthesis. In addition, the localization of MIAs was examined using alkaloid staining and imaging mass spectrometry (IMS). Laticifers were present in embryos before seed maturation. MIA biosynthesis commenced 12 h after germination. MIAs accumulated in laticifers of embryos following seed germination, and MIA metabolism is induced after germination in a tissue-specific manner. These findings suggest that cellular morphological differentiation precedes metabolic differentiation. Considering the well-known toxicity and defense role of MIAs in matured plants, MIAs may be an important defense strategy already in the delicate developmental phase of seed germination, and biosynthesis and accumulation of MIAs may require the tissue and cellular differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mai Uzaki
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-8601, Japan
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Mori
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Mayuko Sato
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Mayumi Wakazaki
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Noriko Takeda-Kamiya
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Kotaro Yamamoto
- School of Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0027, Japan
| | - Akio Murakami
- Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo, 657-8501, Japan
| | - Delia Ayled Serna Guerrero
- Department of Natural Product Biosynthesis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, D-07745, Germany
| | - Chizuko Shichijo
- Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo, 657-8501, Japan
| | - Miwa Ohnishi
- Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo, 657-8501, Japan
- Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Kimitsune Ishizaki
- Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo, 657-8501, Japan
| | - Hidehiro Fukaki
- Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo, 657-8501, Japan
| | - Sarah E O'Connor
- Department of Natural Product Biosynthesis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, D-07745, Germany
| | - Kiminori Toyooka
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Mimura
- Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo, 657-8501, Japan
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
- The Institute for Sustainable Agro-ecosystem Services, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 188-0002, Japan
- Faculty of Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyoto University of Advanced Science, Kyoto, 621-8555, Japan
| | - Masami Yokota Hirai
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-8601, Japan
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dixon RA, Dickinson AJ. A century of studying plant secondary metabolism-From "what?" to "where, how, and why?". PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 195:48-66. [PMID: 38163637 PMCID: PMC11060662 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Over the past century, early advances in understanding the identity of the chemicals that collectively form a living plant have led scientists to deeper investigations exploring where these molecules localize, how they are made, and why they are synthesized in the first place. Many small molecules are specific to the plant kingdom and have been termed plant secondary metabolites, despite the fact that they can play primary and essential roles in plant structure, development, and response to the environment. The past 100 yr have witnessed elucidation of the structure, function, localization, and biosynthesis of selected plant secondary metabolites. Nevertheless, many mysteries remain about the vast diversity of chemicals produced by plants and their roles in plant biology. From early work characterizing unpurified plant extracts, to modern integration of 'omics technology to discover genes in metabolite biosynthesis and perception, research in plant (bio)chemistry has produced knowledge with substantial benefits for society, including human medicine and agricultural biotechnology. Here, we review the history of this work and offer suggestions for future areas of exploration. We also highlight some of the recently developed technologies that are leading to ongoing research advances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Dixon
- BioDiscovery Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA
| | - Alexandra Jazz Dickinson
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lezin E, Carqueijeiro I, Cuello C, Durand M, Jansen HJ, Vergès V, Birer Williams C, Oudin A, Dugé de Bernonville T, Petrignet J, Celton N, St-Pierre B, Papon N, Sun C, Dirks RP, O'Connor SE, Jensen MK, Besseau S, Courdavault V. A chromosome-scale genome assembly of Rauvolfia tetraphylla facilitates identification of the complete ajmaline biosynthetic pathway. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 5:100784. [PMID: 38155576 PMCID: PMC11009098 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2023.100784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Enzo Lezin
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| | - Inês Carqueijeiro
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| | - Clément Cuello
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| | - Mickael Durand
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| | - Hans J Jansen
- Future Genomics Technologies, 2333 BE Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Valentin Vergès
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| | | | - Audrey Oudin
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| | | | - Julien Petrignet
- Laboratoire Synthèse et Isolement de Molécules BioActives (SIMBA, EA 7502), Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| | - Noémie Celton
- Laboratoire de Cytogénetique Constitutionnelle, CHRU de Tours - Hôpital Bretonneau, 37044 Tours, France
| | - Benoit St-Pierre
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| | - Nicolas Papon
- University Angers, University Brest, IRF, SFR ICAT, 49000 Angers, France; Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 2800, China
| | - Chao Sun
- University Angers, University Brest, IRF, SFR ICAT, 49000 Angers, France; Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 2800, China
| | - Ron P Dirks
- Future Genomics Technologies, 2333 BE Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sarah Ellen O'Connor
- Department of Natural Product Biosynthesis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Krogh Jensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 100193 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sébastien Besseau
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France.
| | - Vincent Courdavault
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cuello C, Jansen HJ, Abdallah C, Zamar Mbadinga DL, Birer Williams C, Durand M, Oudin A, Papon N, Giglioli-Guivarc'h N, Dirks RP, Jensen MK, O'Connor SE, Besseau S, Courdavault V. The Madagascar palm genome provides new insights on the evolution of Apocynaceae specialized metabolism. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28078. [PMID: 38533072 PMCID: PMC10963385 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Specialized metabolites possess diverse interesting biological activities and some cardenolides- and monoterpene indole alkaloids- (MIAs) derived pharmaceuticals are currently used to treat human diseases such as cancers or hypertension. While these two families of biocompounds are produced by specific subfamilies of Apocynaceae, one member of this medicinal plant family, the succulent tree Pachypodium lamerei Drake (also known as Madagascar palm), does not produce such specialized metabolites. To explore the evolutionary paths that have led to the emergence and loss of cardenolide and MIA biosynthesis in Apocynaceae, we sequenced and assembled the P. lamerei genome by combining Oxford Nanopore Technologies long-reads and Illumina short-reads. Phylogenomics revealed that, among the Apocynaceae whose genomes have been sequenced, the Madagascar palm is so far the species closest to the common ancestor between MIA producers/non-MIA producers. Transposable elements, constituting 72.48% of the genome, emerge as potential key players in shaping genomic architecture and influencing specialized metabolic pathways. The absence of crucial MIA biosynthetic genes such as strictosidine synthase in P. lamerei and non-Rauvolfioideae species hints at a transposon-mediated mechanism behind gene loss. Phylogenetic analysis not only showcases the evolutionary divergence of specialized metabolite biosynthesis within Apocynaceae but also underscores the role of transposable elements in this intricate process. Moreover, we shed light on the low conservation of enzymes involved in the final stages of MIA biosynthesis in the distinct MIA-producing plant families, inferring independent gains of these specialized enzymes along the evolution of these medicinal plant clades. Overall, this study marks a leap forward in understanding the genomic dynamics underpinning the evolution of specialized metabolites biosynthesis in the Apocynaceae family, with transposons emerging as potential architects of genomics restructuring and gene loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clément Cuello
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200, Tours, France
| | - Hans J. Jansen
- Future Genomics Technologies, 2333 BE, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Cécile Abdallah
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200, Tours, France
| | | | - Caroline Birer Williams
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200, Tours, France
| | - Mickael Durand
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200, Tours, France
| | - Audrey Oudin
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200, Tours, France
| | - Nicolas Papon
- Univ Angers, Univ Brest, IRF, SFR ICAT, F-49000, Angers, France
| | | | - Ron P. Dirks
- Future Genomics Technologies, 2333 BE, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Michael Krogh Jensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sarah Ellen O'Connor
- Department of Natural Product Biosynthesis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, 07745, Germany
| | - Sébastien Besseau
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200, Tours, France
| | - Vincent Courdavault
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200, Tours, France
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang M, Yang B, Wang Y, Yu F. CrJAT1 Regulates Endogenous JA Signaling for Modulating Monoterpenoid Indole Alkaloid Biosynthesis in Catharanthus roseus. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:324. [PMID: 38540383 PMCID: PMC10970522 DOI: 10.3390/genes15030324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Many monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIAs) produced in Catharanthus roseus have demonstrated biological activities and clinical potential. However, their complex biosynthesis pathway in plants leads to low accumulation, limiting therapeutic applications. Efforts to elucidate the MIA biosynthetic regulatory mechanism have focused on improving accumulation levels. Previous studies revealed that jasmonic acid (JA), an important plant hormone, effectively promotes MIA accumulation by inducing the expression of MIA biosynthesis and transport genes. Nevertheless, excessive JA signaling can strongly inhibit plant growth, decreasing MIA productivity in C. roseus. Therefore, identifying key components balancing growth and MIA production in the JA signaling pathway is imperative for effective pharmaceutical production. Here, we identify a homolog of the jasmonate transporter 1, CrJAT1, through co-expression and phylogenetic analyses. Further investigation demonstrated that CrJAT1 can activate JA signaling to promote MIA accumulation without compromising growth. The potential role of CrJAT1 in redistributing intra/inter-cellular JA and JA-Ile may calibrate signaling to avoid inhibition, representing a promising molecular breeding target in C. roseus to optimize the balance between growth and specialized metabolism for improved MIA production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengxia Zhang
- School of Biological Engineering, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China; (M.Z.); (B.Y.); (Y.W.)
| | - Bingrun Yang
- School of Biological Engineering, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China; (M.Z.); (B.Y.); (Y.W.)
| | - Yanyan Wang
- School of Biological Engineering, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China; (M.Z.); (B.Y.); (Y.W.)
| | - Fang Yu
- School of Biological Engineering, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China; (M.Z.); (B.Y.); (Y.W.)
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Liu Y, Lyu R, Singleton JJ, Patra B, Pattanaik S, Yuan L. A Cotyledon-based Virus-Induced Gene Silencing (Cotyledon-VIGS) approach to study specialized metabolism in medicinal plants. PLANT METHODS 2024; 20:26. [PMID: 38347628 PMCID: PMC10860238 DOI: 10.1186/s13007-024-01154-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) is widely used in plant functional genomics. However, the efficiency of VIGS in young plantlets varies across plant species. Additionally, VIGS is not optimized for many plant species, especially medicinal plants that produce valuable specialized metabolites. RESULTS We evaluated the efficacy of five-day-old, etiolated seedlings of Catharanthus roseus (periwinkle) for VIGS. The seedlings were vacuum-infiltrated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens GV3101 cells carrying the tobacco rattle virus (TRV) vectors. The protoporphyrin IX magnesium chelatase subunit H (ChlH) gene, a key gene in chlorophyll biosynthesis, was used as the target for VIGS, and we observed yellow cotyledons 6 days after infiltration. As expected, the expression of CrChlH and the chlorophyll contents of the cotyledons were significantly decreased after VIGS. To validate the cotyledon based-VIGS method, we silenced the genes encoding several transcriptional regulators of the terpenoid indole alkaloid (TIA) biosynthesis in C. roseus, including two activators (CrGATA1 and CrMYC2) and two repressors (CrGBF1 and CrGBF2). Silencing CrGATA1 led to downregulation of the vindoline pathway genes (T3O, T3R, and DAT) and decreased vindoline contents in cotyledons. Silencing CrMYC2, followed by elicitation with methyl jasmonate (MeJA), resulted in the downregulation of ORCA2 and ORCA3. We also co-infiltrated C. roseus seedlings with TRV vectors that silence both CrGBF1 and CrGBF2 and overexpress CrMYC2, aiming to simultaneous silencing two repressors while overexpressing an activator. The simultaneous manipulation of repressors and activator resulted in significant upregulation of the TIA pathway genes. To demonstrate the broad application of the cotyledon-based VIGS method, we optimized the method for two other valuable medicinal plants, Glycyrrhiza inflata (licorice) and Artemisia annua (sweet wormwood). When TRV vectors carrying the fragments of the ChlH genes were infiltrated into the seedlings of these plants, we observed yellow cotyledons with decreased chlorophyll contents. CONCLUSIONS The widely applicable cotyledon-based VIGS method is faster, more efficient, and easily accessible to additional treatments than the traditional VIGS method. It can be combined with transient gene overexpression to achieve simultaneous up- and down-regulation of desired genes in non-model plants. This method provides a powerful tool for functional genomics of medicinal plants, facilitating the discovery and production of valuable therapeutic compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongliang Liu
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences and Kentucky Tobacco Research and Development Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - Ruiqing Lyu
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences and Kentucky Tobacco Research and Development Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - Joshua J Singleton
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences and Kentucky Tobacco Research and Development Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - Barunava Patra
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences and Kentucky Tobacco Research and Development Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - Sitakanta Pattanaik
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences and Kentucky Tobacco Research and Development Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA.
| | - Ling Yuan
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences and Kentucky Tobacco Research and Development Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Guedes JG, Ribeiro R, Carqueijeiro I, Guimarães AL, Bispo C, Archer J, Azevedo H, Fonseca NA, Sottomayor M. The leaf idioblastome of the medicinal plant Catharanthus roseus is associated with stress resistance and alkaloid metabolism. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2024; 75:274-299. [PMID: 37804484 PMCID: PMC10735432 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erad374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Catharanthus roseus leaves produce a range of monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIAs) that include low levels of the anticancer drugs vinblastine and vincristine. The MIA pathway displays a complex architecture spanning different subcellular and cell type localizations, and is under complex regulation. As a result, the development of strategies to increase the levels of the anticancer MIAs has remained elusive. The pathway involves mesophyll specialized idioblasts where the late unsolved biosynthetic steps are thought to occur. Here, protoplasts of C. roseus leaf idioblasts were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and their differential alkaloid and transcriptomic profiles were characterized. This involved the assembly of an improved C. roseus transcriptome from short- and long-read data, IDIO+. It was observed that C. roseus mesophyll idioblasts possess a distinctive transcriptomic profile associated with protection against biotic and abiotic stresses, and indicative that this cell type is a carbon sink, in contrast to surrounding mesophyll cells. Moreover, it is shown that idioblasts are a hotspot of alkaloid accumulation, suggesting that their transcriptome may hold the key to the in-depth understanding of the MIA pathway and the success of strategies leading to higher levels of the anticancer drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joana G Guedes
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- Programa Doutoral em Biologia Molecular e Celular (MCbiology), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rogério Ribeiro
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Inês Carqueijeiro
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - Ana Luísa Guimarães
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Bispo
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Rua da Quinta Grande 6, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - John Archer
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - Herlander Azevedo
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno A Fonseca
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - Mariana Sottomayor
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Stander EA, Lehka B, Carqueijeiro I, Cuello C, Hansson FG, Jansen HJ, Dugé De Bernonville T, Birer Williams C, Vergès V, Lezin E, Lorensen MDBB, Dang TT, Oudin A, Lanoue A, Durand M, Giglioli-Guivarc'h N, Janfelt C, Papon N, Dirks RP, O'connor SE, Jensen MK, Besseau S, Courdavault V. The Rauvolfia tetraphylla genome suggests multiple distinct biosynthetic routes for yohimbane monoterpene indole alkaloids. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1197. [PMID: 38001233 PMCID: PMC10673892 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05574-8] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoterpene indole alkaloids (MIAs) are a structurally diverse family of specialized metabolites mainly produced in Gentianales to cope with environmental challenges. Due to their pharmacological properties, the biosynthetic modalities of several MIA types have been elucidated but not that of the yohimbanes. Here, we combine metabolomics, proteomics, transcriptomics and genome sequencing of Rauvolfia tetraphylla with machine learning to discover the unexpected multiple actors of this natural product synthesis. We identify a medium chain dehydrogenase/reductase (MDR) that produces a mixture of four diastereomers of yohimbanes including the well-known yohimbine and rauwolscine. In addition to this multifunctional yohimbane synthase (YOS), an MDR synthesizing mainly heteroyohimbanes and the short chain dehydrogenase vitrosamine synthase also display a yohimbane synthase side activity. Lastly, we establish that the combination of geissoschizine synthase with at least three other MDRs also produces a yohimbane mixture thus shedding light on the complex mechanisms evolved for the synthesis of these plant bioactives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Amor Stander
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200, Tours, France
| | - Beata Lehka
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Inês Carqueijeiro
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200, Tours, France
| | - Clément Cuello
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200, Tours, France
| | - Frederik G Hansson
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Hans J Jansen
- Future Genomics Technologies, 2333 BE, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Dugé De Bernonville
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200, Tours, France
- Limagrain, Centre de Recherche, Route d'Ennezat, Chappes, France
| | - Caroline Birer Williams
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200, Tours, France
| | - Valentin Vergès
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200, Tours, France
| | - Enzo Lezin
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200, Tours, France
| | | | - Thu-Thuy Dang
- Department of Chemistry, Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Audrey Oudin
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200, Tours, France
| | - Arnaud Lanoue
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200, Tours, France
| | - Mickael Durand
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200, Tours, France
| | | | - Christian Janfelt
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nicolas Papon
- Univ Angers, Univ Brest, IRF, SFR ICAT, F-49000, Angers, France
| | - Ron P Dirks
- Future Genomics Technologies, 2333 BE, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah Ellen O'connor
- Department of Natural Product Biosynthesis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, 07745, Germany.
| | - Michael Krogh Jensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Sébastien Besseau
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200, Tours, France.
| | - Vincent Courdavault
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200, Tours, France.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Burlat V, Papon N, Courdavault V. Medicinal plants enter the single-cell multi-omics era. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 28:1205-1207. [PMID: 37625948 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Elucidating biosynthetic pathways of plant specialized metabolites is a tricky but essential task for the biotechnological production of plant drugs. In a new report, Li et al. used a single-cell multi-omics approach to provide an integrative view of the architecture and regulation of anticancer alkaloid routes in Madagascar periwinkle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Burlat
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Sciences Végétales, Université de Toulouse, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse 3, Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse, 31320 Auzeville-Tolosane, 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.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Nagy K, Darkó É, Szalai G, Janda T, Jókai Z, Ladányi M, Rady MR, Dernovics M. UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS assisted targeted metabolomics to study the enrichment of vinca alkaloids and related metabolites in Catharanthus roseus plants grown under controlled LED environment. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2023; 235:115611. [PMID: 37542828 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2023.115611] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Enrichment of pharmaceutically important vinca alkaloids, vinblastine and vincristine, in the leaves of Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) plants through different pre- or postharvest treatments or cultivation conditions, e.g., exposing the plants to UV-irradiation, has been in focus for decades. Controlled LED environment in the visible light range offers the possibility of monitoring the changes in the concentration of metabolites in the vinca alkaloid-related pathway without involving UV-related abiotic stress. In the frame of our targeted metabolomics approach, 64 vinca alkaloids and metabolites were screened with the help of a UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS instrumental setup from the leaf extracts of C. roseus plants grown in chambers under control (medium light), low light, and high blue / high red/ high far-red conditions. Out of the 14 metabolites that could be assigned either unambiguously with authentic standards or tentatively with high resolution mass spectrometry-based methods, all three dimer vinca alkaloids, that is, 3',4'-anhydrovinblastine, vinblastine and vincristine showed an at least nine-fold enrichment under high blue irradiation when compared with the control conditions: final concentrations of 961 mg kg-1 dry weight, 33.8 mg kg-1 dry weight, and 11.7 mg kg-1 dry weight could be achieved, respectively. As supported by multivariate statistical analysis, the key metabolites of the vinca alkaloid pathway were highly represented among the metabolites that were specifically stimulated by high blue light application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katalin Nagy
- Department of Plant Physiology and Metabolomics, Agricultural Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, ELKH, Brunszvik u. 2., Martonvásár 2462, Hungary; Department of Food Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Food Science and Technology, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Villányi út 29-43., Budapest 1118, Hungary
| | - Éva Darkó
- Department of Plant Physiology and Metabolomics, Agricultural Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, ELKH, Brunszvik u. 2., Martonvásár 2462, Hungary
| | - Gabriella Szalai
- Department of Plant Physiology and Metabolomics, Agricultural Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, ELKH, Brunszvik u. 2., Martonvásár 2462, Hungary
| | - Tibor Janda
- Department of Plant Physiology and Metabolomics, Agricultural Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, ELKH, Brunszvik u. 2., Martonvásár 2462, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsa Jókai
- Department of Food Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Food Science and Technology, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Villányi út 29-43., Budapest 1118, Hungary
| | - Márta Ladányi
- Department of Applied Statistics, Institute of Mathematics and Basic Science, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Villányi út 29-43., Budapest 1118, Hungary
| | - Mohamed Ramadan Rady
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, National Research Centre, 33 El Behouth st., Dokki, Giza P.O. 12622, Egypt
| | - Mihály Dernovics
- Department of Plant Physiology and Metabolomics, Agricultural Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, ELKH, Brunszvik u. 2., Martonvásár 2462, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Liu Y, Singh SK, Pattanaik S, Wang H, Yuan L. Light regulation of the biosynthesis of phenolics, terpenoids, and alkaloids in plants. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1055. [PMID: 37853112 PMCID: PMC10584869 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05435-4] [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: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Biosynthesis of specialized metabolites (SM), including phenolics, terpenoids, and alkaloids, is stimulated by many environmental factors including light. In recent years, significant progress has been made in understanding the regulatory mechanisms involved in light-stimulated SM biosynthesis at the transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and posttranslational levels of regulation. While several excellent recent reviews have primarily focused on the impacts of general environmental factors, including light, on biosynthesis of an individual class of SM, here we highlight the regulation of three major SM biosynthesis pathways by light-responsive gene expression, microRNA regulation, and posttranslational modification of regulatory proteins. In addition, we present our future perspectives on this topic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongliang Liu
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences and Kentucky Tobacco Research and Development Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - Sanjay K Singh
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences and Kentucky Tobacco Research and Development Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - Sitakanta Pattanaik
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences and Kentucky Tobacco Research and Development Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA.
| | - Hongxia Wang
- Shanghai Chenshan Plant Science Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences Chenshan Botanical Garden, 3888 Chenhua Road, 201602, Songjiang, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ling Yuan
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences and Kentucky Tobacco Research and Development Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lemos Cruz P, Carqueijeiro I, Koudounas K, Bomzan DP, Stander EA, Abdallah C, Kulagina N, Oudin A, Lanoue A, Giglioli-Guivarc'h N, Nagegowda DA, Papon N, Besseau S, Clastre M, Courdavault V. Identification of a second 16-hydroxytabersonine-O-methyltransferase suggests an evolutionary relationship between alkaloid and flavonoid metabolisms in Catharanthus roseus. PROTOPLASMA 2023; 260:607-624. [PMID: 35947213 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-022-01801-x] [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: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The medicinal plant Catharanthus roseus biosynthesizes many important drugs for human health, including the anticancer monoterpene indole alkaloids (MIAs) vinblastine and vincristine. Over the past decades, the continuous increase in pharmaceutical demand has prompted several research groups to characterize MIA biosynthetic pathways for considering future metabolic engineering processes of supply. In line with previous work suggesting that diversification can potentially occur at various steps along the vindoline branch, we were here interested in investigating the involvement of distinct isoforms of tabersonine-16-O-methyltransferase (16OMT) which plays a pivotal role in the MIA biosynthetic pathway. By combining homology searches based on the previously characterized 16OMT1, phylogenetic analyses, functional assays in yeast, and biochemical and in planta characterizations, we identified a second isoform of 16OMT, referred to as 16OMT2. 16OMT2 appears to be a multifunctional enzyme working on both MIA and flavonoid substrates, suggesting that a constrained evolution of the enzyme for accommodating the MIA substrate has probably occurred to favor the apparition of 16OMT2 from an ancestral specific flavonoid-O-methyltransferase. Since 16OMT1 and 16OMT2 displays a high sequence identity and similar kinetic parameters for 16-hydroxytabersonine, we postulate that 16OMT1 may result from a later 16OMT2 gene duplication accompanied by a continuous neofunctionalization leading to an almost complete loss of flavonoid O-methyltransferase activity. Overall, these results participate in increasing our knowledge on the evolutionary processes that have likely led to enzyme co-optation for MIA synthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Lemos Cruz
- Université de Tours, EA2106 "Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales", Tours, France
| | - Ines Carqueijeiro
- Université de Tours, EA2106 "Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales", Tours, France
| | | | - Dikki Pedenla Bomzan
- Molecular Plant Biology and Biotechnology Lab, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Research Centre, Bengaluru, 560065, India
| | - Emily Amor Stander
- Université de Tours, EA2106 "Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales", Tours, France
| | - Cécile Abdallah
- Université de Tours, EA2106 "Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales", Tours, France
| | - Natalja Kulagina
- Université de Tours, EA2106 "Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales", Tours, France
| | - Audrey Oudin
- Université de Tours, EA2106 "Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales", Tours, France
| | - Arnaud Lanoue
- Université de Tours, EA2106 "Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales", Tours, France
| | | | - Dinesh A Nagegowda
- Molecular Plant Biology and Biotechnology Lab, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Research Centre, Bengaluru, 560065, India
| | - Nicolas Papon
- Univ Angers, Univ Brest, IRF, SFR, ICAT, F-49000, Angers, France
| | - Sébastien Besseau
- Université de Tours, EA2106 "Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales", Tours, France
| | - Marc Clastre
- Université de Tours, EA2106 "Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales", Tours, France
| | - Vincent Courdavault
- Université de Tours, EA2106 "Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales", Tours, France.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wu Y, Liu C, Gong FL, Li S. Discovering dynamic plant enzyme complexes in yeast for novel alkaloid pathway identification from a medicinal plant kratom. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.16.524293. [PMID: 36711573 PMCID: PMC9882157 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.16.524293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Discovering natural product biosynthetic pathways from medicinal plants is challenging and laborious, largely due to the complexity of the transcriptomics-driven pathway prediction process. Here we developed a novel approach that captures the protein-level connections between enzymes for pathway discovery with improved accuracy. We proved that heterologous protein-protein interaction screening in yeast enabled the efficient discovery of both dynamic plant enzyme complexes and the pathways they organize. This approach discovered complexes and pathways in the monoterpene indole alkaloid metabolism of a medicinal plant, kratom with high success rate. Screening using a strictosidine β-D-glucosidase (MsSGD1) against 19 medium-chain dehydrogenase/reductases (MsMDRs) identified five MsSGD1-MsMDR complexes. Three out of the five interacting MsMDRs were then proven functional, while the remaining 14 non-interacting candidates did not show obvious activities. The work discovered three branched pathways by combining transcriptomics, metabolomics, and heterologous PPI screening and demonstrated a new plant pathway discovery strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Franklin L. Gong
- Robert F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Sijin Li
- Robert F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Méteignier LV, Nützmann HW, Papon N, Osbourn A, Courdavault V. Emerging mechanistic insights into the regulation of specialized metabolism in plants. NATURE PLANTS 2023; 9:22-30. [PMID: 36564633 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-022-01288-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Plants biosynthesize a broad range of natural products through specialized and species-specific metabolic pathways that are fuelled by core metabolism, together forming a metabolic network. Specialized metabolites have important roles in development and adaptation to external cues, and they also have invaluable pharmacological properties. A growing body of evidence has highlighted the impact of translational, transcriptional, epigenetic and chromatin-based regulation and evolution of specialized metabolism genes and metabolic networks. Here we review the forefront of this research field and extrapolate to medicinal plants that synthetize rare molecules. We also discuss how this new knowledge could help in improving strategies to produce useful plant-derived pharmaceuticals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hans-Wilhelm Nützmann
- The Milner Centre for Evolution, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Nicolas Papon
- IRF, SFR ICAT, Université Angers and Université de Bretagne-Occidentale, Angers, France
| | - Anne Osbourn
- Department of Biochemistry and Metabolism, John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
| | - Vincent Courdavault
- EA2106 Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, Université de Tours, Tours, France.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Dissecting the spatial distribution of specialized metabolism at single-cell resolution. NATURE PLANTS 2023; 9:11-12. [PMID: 36539598 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-022-01292-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
|
19
|
Cuello C, Stander EA, Jansen HJ, Dugé De Bernonville T, Oudin A, Birer Williams C, Lanoue A, Giglioli Guivarc'h N, Papon N, Dirks RP, Jensen MK, O'Connor SE, Besseau S, Courdavault V. An updated version of the Madagascar periwinkle genome. F1000Res 2022; 11:1541. [PMID: 36761838 PMCID: PMC9902796 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.129212.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Madagascar periwinkle, Catharanthus roseus, belongs to the Apocynaceae family. This medicinal plant, endemic to Madagascar, produces many important drugs including the monoterpene indole alkaloids (MIA) vincristine and vinblastine used to treat cancer worldwide. Here, we provide a new version of the C. roseus genome sequence obtained through the combination of Oxford Nanopore Technologies long-reads and Illumina short-reads. This more contiguous assembly consists of 173 scaffolds with a total length of 581.128 Mb and an N50 of 12.241 Mb. Using publicly available RNAseq data, 21,061 protein coding genes were predicted and functionally annotated. A total of 42.87% of the genome was annotated as transposable elements, most of them being long-terminal repeats. Together with the increasing access to MIA-producing plant genomes, this updated version should ease evolutionary studies leading to a better understanding of MIA biosynthetic pathway evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clément Cuello
- EA2106 Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, Université de Tours, Tours, 37200, France
| | - Emily Amor Stander
- EA2106 Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, Université de Tours, Tours, 37200, France
| | - Hans J. Jansen
- Future Genomics Technologies, Leiden, 2333BE, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Dugé De Bernonville
- EA2106 Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, Université de Tours, Tours, 37200, France,Present address: Centre de Recherche, Limagrain, Chappes, 07745, France
| | - Audrey Oudin
- EA2106 Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, Université de Tours, Tours, 37200, France
| | | | - Arnaud Lanoue
- EA2106 Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, Université de Tours, Tours, 37200, France
| | | | - Nicolas Papon
- IRF, SFR ICAT, Univ Angers, Univ Brest, Angers, 49000, France
| | - Ron P. Dirks
- Future Genomics Technologies, Leiden, 2333BE, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Krogh Jensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, 2800, Denmark
| | - Sarah Ellen O'Connor
- Department of Natural Product Biosynthesis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, 07745, Germany
| | - Sébastien Besseau
- EA2106 Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, Université de Tours, Tours, 37200, France
| | - Vincent Courdavault
- EA2106 Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, Université de Tours, Tours, 37200, France,
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Stander EA, Cuello C, Birer-Williams C, Kulagina N, Jansen HJ, Carqueijeiro I, Méteignier LV, Vergès V, Oudin A, Papon N, Dirks RP, Jensen MK, O’Connor SE, Dugé de Bernonville T, Besseau S, Courdavault V. The Vinca minor genome highlights conserved evolutionary traits in monoterpene indole alkaloid synthesis. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2022; 12:jkac268. [PMID: 36200869 PMCID: PMC9713385 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkac268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Vinca minor, also known as the lesser periwinkle, is a well-known species from the Apocynaceae, native to central and southern Europe. This plant synthesizes monoterpene indole alkaloids, which are a class of specialized metabolites displaying a wide range of bioactive- and pharmacologically important properties. Within the almost 50 monoterpene indole alkaloids it produces, V. minor mainly accumulates vincamine, which is commercially used as a nootropic. Using a combination of Oxford Nanopore Technologies long read- and Illumina short-read sequencing, a 679,098 Mb V. minor genome was assembled into 296 scaffolds with an N50 scaffold length of 6 Mb, and encoding 29,624 genes. These genes were functionally annotated and used in a comparative genomic analysis to establish gene families and to investigate gene family expansion and contraction across the phylogenetic tree. Furthermore, homology-based monoterpene indole alkaloid gene predictions together with a metabolic analysis across 4 different V. minor tissue types guided the identification of candidate monoterpene indole alkaloid genes. These candidates were finally used to identify monoterpene indole alkaloid gene clusters, which combined with synteny analysis allowed for the discovery of a functionally validated vincadifformine-16-hydroxylase, reinforcing the potential of this dataset for monoterpene indole alkaloids gene discovery. It is expected that access to these resources will facilitate the elucidation of unknown monoterpene indole alkaloid biosynthetic routes with the potential of transferring these pathways to heterologous expression systems for large-scale monoterpene indole alkaloid production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Amor Stander
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| | - Clément Cuello
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| | | | - Natalja Kulagina
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| | - Hans J Jansen
- Future Genomics Technologies, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ines Carqueijeiro
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| | | | - Valentin Vergès
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| | - Audrey Oudin
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| | - Nicolas Papon
- Univ Angers, Univ Brest, IRF, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France
| | - Ron P Dirks
- Future Genomics Technologies, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Krogh Jensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sarah Ellen O’Connor
- Department of Natural Product Biosynthesis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena 07745, Germany
| | | | - Sébastien Besseau
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| | - Vincent Courdavault
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Cuello C, Stander EA, Jansen HJ, Dugé de Bernonville T, Lanoue A, Giglioli-Guivarc'h N, Papon N, Dirks RP, Jensen MK, O'Connor SE, Besseau S, Courdavault V. Genome Assembly of the Medicinal Plant Voacanga thouarsii. Genome Biol Evol 2022; 14:evac158. [PMID: 36300641 PMCID: PMC9673491 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evac158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The Apocynaceae tree Voacanga thouarsii, native to southern Africa and Madagascar, produces monoterpene indole alkaloids (MIA), which are specialized metabolites with a wide range of bioactive properties. Voacanga species mainly accumulates tabersonine in seeds making these species valuable medicinal plants currently used for industrial MIA production. Despite their importance, the MIA biosynthesis in Voacanga species remains poorly studied. Here, we report the first genome assembly and annotation of a Voacanga species. The combined assembly of Oxford Nanopore Technologies long-reads and Illumina short-reads resulted in 3,406 scaffolds with a total length of 1,354.26 Mb and an N50 of 3.04 Mb. A total of 33,300 protein-coding genes were predicted and functionally annotated. These genes were then used to establish gene families and to investigate gene family expansion and contraction across the phylogenetic tree. A transposable element (TE) analysis showed the highest proportion of TE in Voacanga thouarsii compared with all other MIA-producing plants. In a nutshell, this first reference genome of V. thouarsii will thus contribute to strengthen future comparative and evolutionary studies in MIA-producing plants leading to a better understanding of MIA pathway evolution. This will also allow the potential identification of new MIA biosynthetic genes for metabolic engineering purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clément Cuello
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| | - Emily Amor Stander
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| | - Hans J Jansen
- Future Genomics Technologies, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Arnaud Lanoue
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| | | | - Nicolas Papon
- Univ Angers, Univ Brest, IRF, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France
| | - Ron P Dirks
- Future Genomics Technologies, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Krogh Jensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sarah Ellen O'Connor
- Department of Natural Product Biosynthesis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena 07745, Germany
| | - Sébastien Besseau
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| | - Vincent Courdavault
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Levac D, Flores PC, De Luca V. Molecular and biochemical characterization of Catharanthus roseus perivine-N β-methyltransferase. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2022; 201:113266. [PMID: 35671807 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2022.113266] [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: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The biosynthesis of monoterpenoid indole alkaloids in Catharanthus roseus has been most extensively studied, leading to the detailed characterization of the pathway for the formation of their well-known anticancer alkaloids. The present study describes the identification, molecular cloning, and functional expression of C. roseus perivine-Nβ-methyltransferase (PeNMT) that converts perivine to Nβ-methylperivine (vobasine). PeNMT is member of a recently discovered γ-tocopherol-like N-methyltransferase (γ-TLMT) gene family that displays high substrate specificity and that appears to have evolved in the Vinceae tribe of Apocynaceae family where most N-methylated MIAs have been identified in the phytochemical literature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Levac
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, 500 Glenridge Avenue, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada.
| | - Paulo Cázares Flores
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, 500 Glenridge Avenue, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada.
| | - Vincenzo De Luca
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, 500 Glenridge Avenue, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Morey KJ, Peebles CAM. Hairy roots: An untapped potential for production of plant products. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:937095. [PMID: 35991443 PMCID: PMC9389236 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.937095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
While plants are an abundant source of valuable natural products, it is often challenging to produce those products for commercial application. Often organic synthesis is too expensive for a viable commercial product and the biosynthetic pathways are often so complex that transferring them to a microorganism is not trivial or feasible. For plants not suited to agricultural production of natural products, hairy root cultures offer an attractive option for a production platform which offers genetic and biochemical stability, fast growth, and a hormone free culture media. Advances in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology tools to engineer hairy roots along with bioreactor technology is to a point where commercial application of the technology will soon be realized. We discuss different applications of hairy roots. We also use a case study of the advancements in understanding of the terpenoid indole alkaloid pathway in Catharanthus roseus hairy roots to illustrate the advancements and challenges in pathway discovery and in pathway engineering.
Collapse
|
24
|
Jäckel L, Schnabel A, Stellmach H, Klauß U, Matschi S, Hause G, Vogt T. The terminal enzymatic step in piperine biosynthesis is co-localized with the product piperine in specialized cells of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.). THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 111:731-747. [PMID: 35634755 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Piperine (1-piperoyl piperidine) is responsible for the pungent perception of dried black pepper (Piper nigrum) fruits and essentially contributes to the aromatic properties of this spice in combination with a blend of terpenoids. The final step in piperine biosynthesis involves piperine synthase (PS), which catalyzes the reaction of piperoyl CoA and piperidine to the biologically active and pungent amide. Nevertheless, experimental data on the cellular localization of piperine and the complete biosynthetic pathway are missing. Not only co-localization of enzymes and products, but also potential transport of piperamides to the sink organs is a possible alternative. This work, which includes purification of the native enzyme, immunolocalization, laser microdissection, fluorescence microscopy, and electron microscopy combined with liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS), provides experimental evidence that piperine and PS are co-localized in specialized cells of the black pepper fruit perisperm. PS accumulates during early stages of fruit development and its level declines before the fruits are fully mature. The product piperine is co-localized to PS and can be monitored at the cellular level by its strong bluish fluorescence. Rising piperine levels during fruit maturation are consistent with the increasing numbers of fluorescent cells within the perisperm. Signal intensities of individual laser-dissected cells when monitored by LC-ESI-MS/MS indicate molar concentrations of this alkaloid. Significant levels of piperine and additional piperamides were also detected in cells distributed in the cortex of black pepper roots. In summary, the data provide comprehensive experimental evidence of and insights into cell-specific biosynthesis and storage of piperidine alkaloids, specific and characteristic for the Piperaceae. By a combination of fluorescence microscopy and LC-MS/MS analysis we localized the major piperidine alkaloids to specific cells of the fruit perisperm and the root cortex. Immunolocalization of native piperine and piperamide synthases shows that enzymes are co-localized with high concentrations of products in these idioblasts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luise Jäckel
- Department of Cell and Metabolic Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, D-06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Arianne Schnabel
- Department of Cell and Metabolic Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, D-06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Hagen Stellmach
- Department of Cell and Metabolic Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, D-06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ulrike Klauß
- Department of Cell and Metabolic Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, D-06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Susanne Matschi
- Department of Biochemistry of Plant Interactions, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, D-06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Gerd Hause
- Electron Microscopy Lab, Biocenter, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Weinbergweg 22, D-06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Thomas Vogt
- Department of Cell and Metabolic Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, D-06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| |
Collapse
|