A glandular trichome-specific monoterpene alcohol dehydrogenase from Artemisia annua

Plant terpenoid biosynthetic network and its multiple layers of regulation

Terpenoids constitute one of the largest and most chemically diverse classes of primary and secondary metabolites in nature with an exceptional breadth of functional roles in plants. Biosynthesis of all terpenoids begins with the universal five‑carbon building blocks, isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and its allylic isomer dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP), which in plants are derived from two compartmentally separated but metabolically crosstalking routes, the mevalonic acid (MVA) and methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathways. Here, we review the current knowledge on the terpenoid precursor pathways and highlight the critical hidden constraints as well as multiple regulatory mechanisms that coordinate and homeostatically govern carbon flux through the terpenoid biosynthetic network in plants.

Genome-wide identification and functional characterization of borneol dehydrogenases in Wurfbainia villosa

MAIN CONCLUSION

Genome-wide screening of short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDR) family reveals functional diversification of borneol dehydrogenase (BDH) in Wurfbainia villosa. Wurfbainia villosa is an important medicinal plant, the fruits of which accumulate abundant terpenoids, especially bornane-type including borneol and camphor. The borneol dehydrogenase (BDH) responsible for the conversion of borneol to camphor in W. villosa remains unknown. BDH is one member of short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDR) family. Here, a total of 115 classical WvSDR genes were identified through genome-wide screening. These WvSDRs were unevenly distributed on different chromosomes. Seven candidate WvBDHs based on phylogenetic analysis and expression levels were selected for cloning. Of them, four BDHs can catalyze different configurations of borneol and other monoterpene alcohol substrates to generate the corresponding oxidized products. WvBDH1 and WvBDH2, preferred (+)-borneol to (-)-borneol, producing the predominant ( +)-camphor. WvBDH3 yielded approximate equivalent amount of (+)-camphor and (-)-camphor, in contrast, WvBDH4 generated exclusively (+)-camphor. The metabolic profiles of the seeds showed that the borneol and camphor present were in the dextrorotatory configuration. Enzyme kinetics and expression pattern in different tissues suggested WvBDH2 might be involved in the biosynthesis of camphor in W. villosa. All results will increase the understanding of functional diversity of BDHs.

The Caucasian Clover Gene TaMYC2 Responds to Abiotic Stress and Improves Tolerance by Increasing the Activity of Antioxidant Enzymes

Abiotic stress affects metabolic processes in plants and restricts plant growth and development. In this experiment, Caucasian clover (Trifolium ambiguum M. Bieb.) was used as a material, and the CDS of TaMYC2, which is involved in regulating the response to abiotic stress, was cloned. The CDS of TaMYC2 was 726 bp in length and encoded 241 amino acids. The protein encoded by TaMYC2 was determined to be unstable, be highly hydrophilic, and contain 23 phosphorylation sites. Subcellular localization results showed that TaMYC2 was localized in the nucleus. TaMYC2 responded to salt, alkali, cold, and drought stress and could be induced by IAA, GA3, and MeJA. By analyzing the gene expression and antioxidant enzyme activity in plants before and after stress, we found that drought and cold stress could induce the expression of TaMYC2 and increase the antioxidant enzyme activity. TaMYC2 could also induce the expression of ROS scavenging-related and stress-responsive genes and increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes, thus improving the ability of plants to resist stress. The results of this experiment provide references for subsequent in-depth exploration of both the function of TaMYC2 in and the molecular mechanism underlying the resistance of Caucasian clover.

A Structural View on the Stereospecificity of Plant Borneol-Type Dehydrogenases

The development of sustainable processes for the valorization of byproducts and other waste streams remains an ongoing challenge in the field of catalysis. Racemic borneol, isoborneol and camphor are currently produced from α-pinene, a side product from the production of cellulose. The pure enantiomers of these monoterpenoids have numerous applications in cosmetics and act as reagents for asymmetric synthesis, making an enzymatic route for their separation into optically pure enantiomers a desirable goal. Known short-chain borneol-type dehydrogenases (BDHs) from plants and bacteria lack the required specificity, stability or activity for industrial utilization. Prompted by reports on the presence of pure (-)-borneol and (-)-camphor in essential oils from rosemary, we set out to investigate dehydrogenases from the genus Salvia and discovered a dehydrogenase with high specificity (E>120) and high specific activity (>0.02 U mg-1) for borneol and isoborneol. Compared to other specific dehydrogenases, the one reported here shows remarkably higher stability, which was exploited to obtain the first three-dimensional structure of an enantiospecific borneol-type short-chain dehydrogenase. This, together with docking studies, led to the identification of a hydrophobic pocket in the enzyme that plays a crucial role in the stereo discrimination of bornane-type monoterpenoids. The kinetic resolution of borneol and isoborneol can be easily integrated into the existing synthetic route from α-pinene to camphor thereby allowing the facile synthesis of optically pure monoterpenols from an abundant renewable source.

Engineering of a borneol dehydrogenase from P. putida for the enzymatic resolution of camphor

Several thousand different terpenoid structures are known so far, and many of them are interesting for applications as pharmaceuticals, flavors, fragrances, biofuels, insecticides, or fine chemical intermediates. One prominent example is camphor, which has been utilized since ancient times in medical applications. Especially (-)-camphor is gaining more and more interest for pharmaceutical applications. Hence, a commercial reliable source is needed. The natural sources for (-)-camphor are limited, and the oxidation of precious (-)-borneol would be too costly. Hence, synthesis of (-)-camphor from renewable alpha-pinene would be an inexpensive alternative. As the currently used route for the conversion of alpha-pinene to camphor produces a mixture of both enantiomers, preferably catalytic methods for the separation of this racemate are demanded to yield enantiopure camphor. Enzymatic kinetic resolution is a sustainable way to solve this challenge but requires suitable enzymes. In this study, the first borneol dehydrogenase from Pseudomonas sp. ATCC 17453, capable of catalyzing the stereoselective reduction of camphor, was examined. By using a targeted enzyme engineering approach, enantioselective enzyme variants were created with E-values > 100. The best variant was used for the enzymatic kinetic resolution of camphor racemate, yielding 79% of (-)-camphor with an ee of > 99%. KEY POINTS: • Characterization of a novel borneol dehydrogenase (BDH) from P. putida. • Development of enantioselective BDH variants for the reduction of camphor. • Enzymatic kinetic resolution of camphor with borneol dehydrogenase.

Molecular cloning and functional identification of a high-efficiency (+)-borneol dehydrogenase from Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl

Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl, rich in terpenoids, is an important commercial plant. The monoterpenes borneol and camphor are highly desired compounds that have been widely and diversely used in medicine and spices since ancient times. However, the key enzymes in the biosynthetic pathway of borneol and camphor in C. camphora remains unknown, which limits access to these natural products. Here, the chirality of borneol and camphor were identified in C. camphora leaves. Besides the main (+)-borneol and (+)-camphor, C. camphora also contains small amounts of (-)-borneol and (-)-camphor. Then, CcBDH3 - an efficient (+)-borneol dehydrogenase (BDH) - was identified that catalyzed (+)-borneol into (+)-camphor in the presence of NAD⁺. The K_m value was 25.1 μM with a k_cat value of 5.4 × 10^-3 s^-1 at pH 8.5 and 30 °C. CcBDH3, which also yields (-)-camphor from (-)-borneol as a substrate, had a K_m value of 36.9 μM with a k_cat of 2.1 × 10^-3 s^-1, and pH of 8.0 and temperature of 32 °C. We further compared the conformational specificity of two other reported BDHs, ZSD1 and ADH2, and found that ZSD1 had the highest conversion rate with (-)-borneol. These findings provide a new way for the production of camphor with various optical activities by metabolic engineering, and the identified camphor biosynthesis pathway provides the foundation for using genetic engineering to improve the production and purity of (+)-borneol in planta.

Effect of environmental conditions on morphological variability of leaves and fruits of five populations of Pistacia atlantica Desf. in North Algeria

Pistacia atlantica has a lot of medical, pharmaceutical and economic benefits, and its variability shows its evolutionary potential. The objective of this study was to investigate morphological and micro-morphological variability of these trees within different ecological regions. This study offers a general description of sites, an analysis of morphological variability of twenty quantitative and qualitative parameters based on the impact of natural and artificial conditions, and leaf anatomical analysis. The results showed that the population exhibited heterogeneity in all parameters of the leaf related to changes in soil, density, climate and slope. Variability in nut size was also demonstrated which was due to the effects of climate, type of soil and topographic factors. The results of electron microscope scanning of leaf anatomy showed the existence of large micro-morphological variability between study sites.

Molecular cloning and functional characterization of a two highly stereoselective borneol dehydrogenases from Salvia officinalis L

Enzymes for selective terpene functionalization are of particular importance for industrial applications. Pure enantiomers of borneol and isoborneol are fragrant constituents of several essential oils and find frequent application in cosmetics and therapy. Racemic borneol can be easily obtained from racemic camphor, which in turn is readily available from industrial side-streams. Enantioselective biocatalysts for the selective conversion of borneol and isoborneol stereoisomers would be therefore highly desirable for their catalytic separation under mild reaction conditions. Although several borneol dehydrogenases from plants and bacteria have been reported, none show sufficient stereoselectivity. Despite Croteau et al. describing sage leaves to specifically oxidize one borneol enantiomer in the late 70s, no specific enzymes have been characterized. We expected that one or several alcohol dehydrogenases encoded in the recently elucidated genome of Salvia officinalis L. would, therefore, be stereoselective. This study thus reports the recombinant expression in E. coli and characterization of two enantiospecific enzymes from the Salvia officinalis L. genome, SoBDH1 and SoBDH2, and their comparison to other known ADHs. Both enzymes produce preferentially (+)-camphor from racemic borneol, but (-)-camphor from racemic isoborneol.

Enzymology of monoterpene functionalization in glandular trichomes

The plant kingdom supports an extraordinary chemical diversity, with terpenoids representing a particularly diversified class of secondary (or specialized) metabolites. Volatile and semi-volatile terpenoids in the C10-C20 range are often formed in specialized cell types and secretory structures. In the angiosperm lineage, glandular trichomes play an important role in enabling the biosynthesis and storage (or in some cases secretion) of functionalized terpenoids. The 'decoration' of a terpenoid scaffold with functional groups changes its physical and chemical properties, and can therefore affect the perception of a specific metabolite by other organisms. Because of the ecological implications (e.g. plant-herbivore interactions) and commercial relevance (e.g. volatiles used in the flavor and fragrance industries), terpenoid functionalization has been researched extensively. Recent successes in the cloning and functional evaluation of genes as well as the structural and biochemical characterization of enzyme catalysts have laid the foundation for an improved understanding of how pathways toward functionalized monoterpenes may have evolved. In this review, we will focus on an up-to-date account of functionalization reactions present in glandular trichomes.

Identification, expression, and phylogenetic analyses of terpenoid biosynthesis-related genes in secondary xylem of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) based on transcriptome analyses

Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) is one of the most important species for oleoresin (a mixture of terpenoids) in South China. The high oleoresin content of loblolly pine is associated with resistance to bark beetles and other economic benefits. In this study, we conducted transcriptome analyses of loblolly pine secondary xylem to gain insight into the genes involved in terpenoid biosynthesis. A total of 372 unigenes were identified as being critical for oleoresin production, including genes for ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, the cytochrome P450 (CYP) protein family, and terpenoid backbone biosynthesis enzymes. Six key genes involved in terpenoid biosynthetic pathways were selected for multiple sequence alignment, conserved motif prediction, and phylogenetic and expression profile analyses. The protein sequences of all six genes exhibited a higher degree of sequence conservation, and upstream genes were relatively more conserved than downstream genes in terpenoid biosynthetic pathways. The N-terminal regions of these sequences were less conserved than the C-terminal ends, as the N-terminals were quite diverse in both length and composition. The phylogenetic analyses revealed that most genes originated from gene duplication after species divergence, and partial genes exhibited incomplete lineage sorting. In addition, the expression profile analyses showed that all six genes exhibited high expression levels during the high-oleoresin-yielding phase.

A Phenylpyruvic Acid Reductase Is Required for Biosynthesis of Tropane Alkaloids

Solanaceous medicinal plants produce tropane alkaloids (TAs). We discovered a novel gene from Atropa belladonna, AbPPAR, which encodes a phenylpyruvic acid reductase required for TA biosynthesis. AbPPAR was specifically expressed in root pericycles and endodermis. AbPPAR was shown to catalyze reduction of phenylpyruvic acid to phenyllactic acid, a precursor of TAs. Suppression of AbPPAR disrupted TA biosynthesis through reduction of phenyllactic acid levels. In summary, we identified a novel enzyme involved in TA biosynthesis.

Two natural compounds - a benzofuran and a phenylpropane - from Artemisia dracunculus

The structure elucidation of three metabolites herniarin (7-methoxy-2H-chromen-2-one, 1), phytoalexin (5-acetyl-6-hydroxy-2-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)benzofuran, 2), and prestragol (3-(4'-methoxyphenyl)-prop-1,2-diol, 3) isolated from Artemisia dracunculus was determined on the basis of 1D, 2D NMR methods and by an X-ray crystallographic determination.

Anti-adipocyte Differentiation Activity and Chemical Composition of Essential Oil from Artemisia annua

Artemisia annua L. essential oil (AAEO) has diverse properties including antibacterial, antioxidant, antinociceptive, and antimicrobial activities. However, the effect of AAEO on obesity remains to be investigated. In this study, we analyzed the compounds of AAEO and explored the effect of AAEO on the differentiation of preadipocyte into adipocyte using preadipocyte cell line 3T3-L1. Total yield of AAEO from 20 kg A. annua leaf and flower was 0.5%, v/w. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed that AAEO contained 34 compounds. 3T3-L1 cells incubated in 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine / dexamethasone / insulin (MDI)-containing medium showed increased accumulation of lipid droplets. This increased response was suppressed by treatment with AAEO. Expressions of obesity-related proteins (PPARγ, C/EBPα, SREBP-1c, FAS, and ACC) were increased in 3T3-L1 cells cultured in MDI medium and these responses were decreased by treatment with AAEO. These findings demonstrate that AAEO may suppress 3T3-L1 cell differentiation by inhibiting adipogenesis and activation of lipid metabolism-related proteins.

The Alcohol Dehydrogenase Gene Family in Melon (Cucumis melo L.): Bioinformatic Analysis and Expression Patterns

Alcohol dehydrogenases (ADH), encoded by multigene family in plants, play a critical role in plant growth, development, adaptation, fruit ripening and aroma production. Thirteen ADH genes were identified in melon genome, including 12 ADHs and one formaldehyde dehydrogenease (FDH), designated CmADH1-12 and CmFDH1, in which CmADH1 and CmADH2 have been isolated in Cantaloupe. ADH genes shared a lower identity with each other at the protein level and had different intron-exon structure at nucleotide level. No typical signal peptides were found in all CmADHs, and CmADH proteins might locate in the cytoplasm. The phylogenetic tree revealed that 13 ADH genes were divided into three groups respectively, namely long-, medium-, and short-chain ADH subfamily, and CmADH1,3-11, which belongs to the medium-chain ADH subfamily, fell into six medium-chain ADH subgroups. CmADH12 may belong to the long-chain ADH subfamily, while CmFDH1 may be a Class III ADH and serve as an ancestral ADH in melon. Expression profiling revealed that CmADH1, CmADH2, CmADH10 and CmFDH1 were moderately or strongly expressed in different vegetative tissues and fruit at medium and late developmental stages, while CmADH8 and CmADH12 were highly expressed in fruit after 20 days. CmADH3 showed preferential expression in young tissues. CmADH4 only had slight expression in root. Promoter analysis revealed several motifs of CmADH genes involved in the gene expression modulated by various hormones, and the response pattern of CmADH genes to ABA, IAA and ethylene were different. These CmADHs were divided into ethylene-sensitive and -insensitive groups, and the functions of CmADHs were discussed.

Identifying three ecological chemotypes of Xanthium strumarium glandular trichomes using a combined NMR and LC-MS method

Xanthanolides, as the sesquiterpene lactones, are reportedly the major components for the pharmacological properties of X. strumarium L. species. Phytochemical studies indicated that the glandular structures on the surface of plant tissues would form the primary sites for the accumulation of this class of the compounds. As the interface between plants and their natural enemies, glandular trichomes may vary with respect to which of their chemicals are sequestered against different herbivores in different ecologies. However, to date, no data are available on the chemical characterisation of X. strumarium glandular cells. In this study, the trichome secretions of the X. strumarium species originating from nineteen unique areas across eleven provinces in China, were analysed by HPLC, LC-ESI-MS and NMR. For the first time three distinct chemotypes of X. strumarium glandular trichomes were discovered along with the qualitative and quantitative evaluations of their presence of xanthanolides; these were designated glandular cell Types I, II, and III, respectively. The main xanthanolides in Type I cells were 8-epi-xanthatin and xanthumin while no xanthatin was detected. Xanthatin, 8-epi-xanthatin, and xanthumin dominated in Type II cells with comparable levels of each being present. For Type III cells, significantly higher concentrations of 8-epi-xanthatin or xanthinosin (relative to xanthatin) were detected with xanthinosin only being observed in this type. Further research will focus on understanding the ecological and molecular mechanism causing these chemotype differences in X. strumarium glandular structures.

Transcriptome analysis of Thapsia laciniata Rouy provides insights into terpenoid biosynthesis and diversity in Apiaceae

Thapsia laciniata Rouy (Apiaceae) produces irregular and regular sesquiterpenoids with thapsane and guaiene carbon skeletons, as found in other Apiaceae species. A transcriptomic analysis utilizing Illumina next-generation sequencing enabled the identification of novel genes involved in the biosynthesis of terpenoids in Thapsia. From 66.78 million HQ paired-end reads obtained from T. laciniata roots, 64.58 million were assembled into 76,565 contigs (N50: 1261 bp). Seventeen contigs were annotated as terpene synthases and five of these were predicted to be sesquiterpene synthases. Of the 67 contigs annotated as cytochromes P450, 18 of these are part of the CYP71 clade that primarily performs hydroxylations of specialized metabolites. Three contigs annotated as aldehyde dehydrogenases grouped phylogenetically with the characterized ALDH1 from Artemisia annua and three contigs annotated as alcohol dehydrogenases grouped with the recently described ADH1 from A. annua. ALDH1 and ADH1 were characterized as part of the artemisinin biosynthesis. We have produced a comprehensive EST dataset for T. laciniata roots, which contains a large sample of the T. laciniata transcriptome. These transcriptome data provide the foundation for future research into the molecular basis for terpenoid biosynthesis in Thapsia and on the evolution of terpenoids in Apiaceae.

High-level semi-synthetic production of the potent antimalarial artemisinin

In 2010 there were more than 200 million cases of malaria, and at least 655,000 deaths. The World Health Organization has recommended artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Artemisinin is a sesquiterpene endoperoxide with potent antimalarial properties, produced by the plant Artemisia annua. However, the supply of plant-derived artemisinin is unstable, resulting in shortages and price fluctuations, complicating production planning by ACT manufacturers. A stable source of affordable artemisinin is required. Here we use synthetic biology to develop strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast) for high-yielding biological production of artemisinic acid, a precursor of artemisinin. Previous attempts to produce commercially relevant concentrations of artemisinic acid were unsuccessful, allowing production of only 1.6 grams per litre of artemisinic acid. Here we demonstrate the complete biosynthetic pathway, including the discovery of a plant dehydrogenase and a second cytochrome that provide an efficient biosynthetic route to artemisinic acid, with fermentation titres of 25 grams per litre of artemisinic acid. Furthermore, we have developed a practical, efficient and scalable chemical process for the conversion of artemisinic acid to artemisinin using a chemical source of singlet oxygen, thus avoiding the need for specialized photochemical equipment. The strains and processes described here form the basis of a viable industrial process for the production of semi-synthetic artemisinin to stabilize the supply of artemisinin for derivatization into active pharmaceutical ingredients (for example, artesunate) for incorporation into ACTs. Because all intellectual property rights have been provided free of charge, this technology has the potential to increase provision of first-line antimalarial treatments to the developing world at a reduced average annual price.

Terpenoid biosynthesis in trichomes--current status and future opportunities

Glandular trichomes are anatomical structures specialized for the synthesis of secreted natural products. In this review we focus on the description of glands that accumulate terpenoid essential oils and oleoresins. We also provide an in-depth account of the current knowledge about the biosynthesis of terpenoids and secretion mechanisms in the highly specialized secretory cells of glandular trichomes, and highlight the implications for metabolic engineering efforts.

Trichome isolation with and without fixation using laser microdissection and pressure catapulting followed by RNA amplification: expression of genes of terpene metabolism in apical and sub-apical trichome cells of Artemisia annua L

The aim of this project was to evaluate the effect of fixation on plant material prior to Laser Microdissection and Pressure Catapulting (LMPC) and to identify an appropriate method for preserving good RNA quality after cell isolation. Therefore, flower buds from Artemisia annua L. were exposed to either the fixative formaldehyde or a non-fixative buffer prior to cell isolation by LMPC. Proteinase K was used after cell isolation from fixed plant tissue, in an attempt to improve the RNA yield. The ability to detect gene expression using real-time quantitative PCR with or without previous amplification of RNA from cells isolated by LMPC was also evaluated. Conclusively, we describe a new technique, without fixation, enabling complete isolation of intact glandular secretory trichomes and specific single trichome cells of A. annua. This method is based on LMPC and preserves good RNA quality for subsequent RNA expression studies of both whole trichomes, apical and sub-apical cells from trichomes of A. annua. Using this method, expression of genes of terpene metabolism was studied by real-time quantitative PCR. Expression of genes involved in artemisinin biosynthesis was observed in both apical and sub-apical cells.

Ipsdienol dehydrogenase (IDOLDH): a novel oxidoreductase important for Ips pini pheromone production

Ipsdienone (2-methyl-6-methylene-2,7-octadien-4-one) is an important intermediate in the biosynthesis of pheromonal ipsdienol (2-methyl-6-methylene-2,7-octadien-4-ol) and ipsenol (2-methyl-6-methylene-7-octen-4-ol) in male pine engraver beetles, Ips pini (Say). A novel ipsdienol dehydrogenase (IDOLDH) with a pheromone-biosynthetic gene expression pattern was cloned, expressed, functionally characterized, and its cellular localization analyzed. The cDNA has a 762nt ORF encoding a 253 amino acid predicted translation product of 28kDa and pI 5.8. The protein has conserved motifs of the Cp2 subfamily of "classical" short-chain dehydrogenases. Transcript levels were highest in pheromone producing tissue: the anterior midgut of fed males. The protein was detected only in male midguts and localized in the cytosolic fraction of midgut cells. Recombinant IDOLDH was produced in Sf9 cells using a baculovirus expression system. Enzyme assays of protein preparations showed IDOLDH used both NAD⁺ and NADP⁺ as coenzymes with specific activities in the nanomole range. Enzyme assays and GC/MS analysis showed that IDOLDH catalyzed the oxidation of racemic ipsdienol and (4R)-(-)-ipsdienol to form ipsdienone, while (4S)-(+)-ipsdienol was not a substrate. These data strongly implicate IDOLDH as an enzyme involved in terminal pheromone-biosynthetic steps, likely functioning to "tune" ipsdienol enantiomeric ratios.