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Liu J, Yin X, Kou C, Thimmappa R, Hua X, Xue Z. Classification, biosynthesis, and biological functions of triterpene esters in plants. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 5:100845. [PMID: 38356259 PMCID: PMC11009366 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2024.100845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Triterpene esters comprise a class of secondary metabolites that are synthesized by decorating triterpene skeletons with a series of oxidation, glycosylation, and acylation modifications. Many triterpene esters with important bioactivities have been isolated and identified, including those with applications in the pesticide, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. They also play essential roles in plant defense against pests, diseases, physical damage (as part of the cuticle), and regulation of root microorganisms. However, there has been no recent summary of the biosynthetic pathways and biological functions of plant triterpene esters. Here, we classify triterpene esters into five categories based on their skeletons and find that C-3 oxidation may have a significant effect on triterpenoid acylation. Fatty acid and aromatic moieties are common ligands present in triterpene esters. We further analyze triterpene ester synthesis-related acyltransferases (TEsACTs) in the triterpene biosynthetic pathway. Using an evolutionary classification of BAHD acyltransferases (BAHD-ATs) and serine carboxypeptidase-like acyltransferases (SCPL-ATs) in Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa, we classify 18 TEsACTs with identified functions from 11 species. All the triterpene-skeleton-related TEsACTs belong to BAHD-AT clades IIIa and I, and the only identified TEsACT from the SCPL-AT family belongs to the CP-I subfamily. This comprehensive review of the biosynthetic pathways and bioactivities of triterpene esters provides a foundation for further study of their bioactivities and applications in industry, agricultural production, and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Liu
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration (Northeast Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Plant Bioactive Substance Biosynthesis and Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Xue Yin
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration (Northeast Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Plant Bioactive Substance Biosynthesis and Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Chengxi Kou
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration (Northeast Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Plant Bioactive Substance Biosynthesis and Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Ramesha Thimmappa
- Amity Institute of Genome Engineering, Amity University, Noida, UP India 201313, India
| | - Xin Hua
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration (Northeast Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Plant Bioactive Substance Biosynthesis and Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Zheyong Xue
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration (Northeast Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Plant Bioactive Substance Biosynthesis and Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China; State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Beijing 100700, P.R. China.
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Parveen I, Wang M, Lee J, Zhao J, Zhu Y, Chittiboyina AG, Khan IA, Pan Z. Identification and Functional Characterization of Oxidosqualene Cyclases from Medicinal Plant Hoodia gordonii. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:231. [PMID: 38256784 PMCID: PMC10818575 DOI: 10.3390/plants13020231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs) are the key enzymes accountable for the cyclization of 2,3-oxidosqualene to varied triterpenoids and phytosterols. Hoodia gordonii (from the family Apocynaceae), a native of the Kalahari deserts of South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana, is being sold as a prevalent herbal supplement for weight loss. The appetite suppressant properties are attributed to P57AS3, an oxypregnane steroidal glycoside. At the molecular level, the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of triterpenes and phytosterols from H. gordonii have not been previously reported. In the current study, predicted transcripts potentially encoding oxidosqualene cyclases were recognized first by searching publicly available H. gordonii RNA-seq datasets. Two OSC-like sequences were selected for functional analysis. A monofunctional OSC, designated HgOSC1 which encodes lupeol synthase, and HgOSC2, a multifunctional cycloartenol synthase forming cycloartenol and other products, were observed through recombinant enzyme studies. These studies revealed that distinct OSCs exist for triterpene formation in H. gordonii and provided opportunities for the metabolic engineering of specific precursors in producing phytosterols in this plant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iffat Parveen
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Mei Wang
- Natural Products Utilization Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Joseph Lee
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Jianping Zhao
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Yingjie Zhu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Amar G. Chittiboyina
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Ikhlas A. Khan
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
- Division Pharmacognosy, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Zhiqiang Pan
- Natural Products Utilization Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, University, MS 38677, USA
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Li Y, Wang J, Li L, Song W, Li M, Hua X, Wang Y, Yuan J, Xue Z. Natural products of pentacyclic triterpenoids: from discovery to heterologous biosynthesis. Nat Prod Rep 2023; 40:1303-1353. [PMID: 36454108 DOI: 10.1039/d2np00063f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Covering: up to 2022Pentacyclic triterpenoids are important natural bioactive substances that are widely present in plants and fungi. They have significant medicinal efficacy, play an important role in reducing blood glucose and protecting the liver, and have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, anti-fatigue, anti-viral, and anti-cancer activities. Pentacyclic triterpenoids are derived from the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway, which generates common precursors of triterpenes and steroids, followed by cyclization with oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs) and decoration via cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYP450s) and glycosyltransferases (GTs). Many biosynthetic pathways of triterpenoid saponins have been elucidated by studying their metabolic regulation network through the use of multiomics and identifying their functional genes. Unfortunately, natural resources of pentacyclic triterpenoids are limited due to their low content in plant tissues and the long growth cycle of plants. Based on the understanding of their biosynthetic pathway and transcriptional regulation, plant bioreactors and microbial cell factories are emerging as alternative means for the synthesis of desired triterpenoid saponins. The rapid development of synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and fermentation technology has broadened channels for the accumulation of pentacyclic triterpenoid saponins. In this review, we summarize the classification, distribution, structural characteristics, and bioactivity of pentacyclic triterpenoids. We further discuss the biosynthetic pathways of pentacyclic triterpenoids and involved transcriptional regulation. Moreover, the recent progress and characteristics of heterologous biosynthesis in plants and microbial cell factories are discussed comparatively. Finally, we propose potential strategies to improve the accumulation of triterpenoid saponins, thereby providing a guide for their future biomanufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlin Li
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, PR China.
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Plant Bioactive Substance Biosynthesis and Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Jing Wang
- Institute of Forestry and Pomology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Linyong Li
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, PR China.
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Plant Bioactive Substance Biosynthesis and Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Wenhui Song
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, PR China.
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Plant Bioactive Substance Biosynthesis and Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Min Li
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, PR China.
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Plant Bioactive Substance Biosynthesis and Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Xin Hua
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, PR China.
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Plant Bioactive Substance Biosynthesis and Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Yu Wang
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, PR China.
| | - Jifeng Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Fujian, PR China.
| | - Zheyong Xue
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, PR China.
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Plant Bioactive Substance Biosynthesis and Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, PR China
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Koo H, Lee YS, Nguyen VB, Giang VNL, Koo HJ, Park HS, Mohanan P, Song YH, Ryu B, Kang KB, Sung SH, Yang TJ. Comparative transcriptome and metabolome analyses of four Panax species explore the dynamics of metabolite biosynthesis. J Ginseng Res 2023; 47:44-53. [PMID: 36644396 PMCID: PMC9834023 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2022.07.001] [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: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The genus Panax in the Araliaceae family has been used as traditional medicinal plants worldwide and is known to biosynthesize ginsenosides and phytosterols. However, genetic variation between Panax species has influenced their biosynthetic pathways is not fully understood. Methods Simultaneous analysis of transcriptomes and metabolomes obtained from adventitious roots of two tetraploid species (Panax ginseng and P. quinquefolius) and two diploid species (P. notoginseng and P. vietnamensis) revealed the diversity of their metabolites and related gene expression profiles. Results The transcriptome analysis showed that 2,3-OXIDOSQUALENE CYCLASEs (OSCs) involved in phytosterol biosynthesis are upregulated in the diploid species, while the expression of OSCs contributing to ginsenoside biosynthesis is higher in the tetraploid species. In agreement with these results, the contents of dammarenediol-type ginsenosides were higher in the tetraploid species relative to the diploid species. Conclusion These results suggest that a whole-genome duplication event has influenced the triterpene biosynthesis pathway in tetraploid Panax species during their evolution or ecological adaptation. This study provides a basis for further efforts to explore the genetic variation of the Panax genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunjin Koo
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Bioresources, Plant Genomics and Breeding Institute, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Sun Lee
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Bioresources, Plant Genomics and Breeding Institute, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Van Binh Nguyen
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Bioresources, Plant Genomics and Breeding Institute, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Vo Ngoc Linh Giang
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Bioresources, Plant Genomics and Breeding Institute, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Jo Koo
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Bioresources, Plant Genomics and Breeding Institute, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Seung Park
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Bioresources, Plant Genomics and Breeding Institute, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Padmanaban Mohanan
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Bioresources, Plant Genomics and Breeding Institute, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea,Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Plant Genomics and Breeding Institute, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Hun Song
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Plant Genomics and Breeding Institute, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeol Ryu
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyo Bin Kang
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea,Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hyun Sung
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Jin Yang
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Bioresources, Plant Genomics and Breeding Institute, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea,Corresponding author. Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Bioresources, Plant Genomics and Breeding Institute, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
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Wang J, Guo Y, Yin X, Wang X, Qi X, Xue Z. Diverse triterpene skeletons are derived from the expansion and divergent evolution of 2,3-oxidosqualene cyclases in plants. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 57:113-132. [PMID: 34601979 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2021.1979458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Triterpenoids are one of the largest groups of secondary metabolites and exhibit diverse structures, which are derived from C30 skeletons that are biosynthesized via the isoprenoid pathway by cyclization of 2,3-oxidosqualene. Triterpenoids have a wide range of biological activities, and are used in functional foods, drugs, and as industrial materials. Due to the low content levels in their native plants and limited feasibility and efficiency of chemical synthesis, heterologous biosynthesis of triterpenoids is the most promising strategy. Herein, we classified 121 triterpene alcohols/ketones according to their conformation and ring numbers, among which 51 skeletons have been experimentally characterized as the products of oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs). Interestingly, 24 skeletons that have not been reported from nature source were generated by OSCs in heterologous expression. Comprehensive evolutionary analysis of the identified 152 OSCs from 75 species in 25 plant orders show that several pentacyclic triterpene synthases repeatedly originated in multiple plant lineages. Comparative analysis of OSC catalytic reaction revealed that stabilization of intermediate cations, steric hindrance, and conformation of active center amino acid residues are primary factors affecting triterpene formation. Optimization of OSC could be achieved by changing of side-chain orientations of key residues. Recently, methods, such as rationally design of pathways, regulation of metabolic flow, compartmentalization engineering, etc., were introduced in improving chassis for the biosynthesis of triterpenoids. We expect that extensive study of natural variation of large number of OSCs and catalytical mechanism will provide basis for production of high level of triterpenoids by application of synthetic biology strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, PR China.,Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Plant Bioactive Substance Biosynthesis and Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, PR China.,Institute of Forestry and Pomology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yanhong Guo
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, PR China.,Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Plant Bioactive Substance Biosynthesis and Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Xue Yin
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, PR China.,Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Plant Bioactive Substance Biosynthesis and Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Xiaoning Wang
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Xiaoquan Qi
- Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Zheyong Xue
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, PR China.,Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Plant Bioactive Substance Biosynthesis and Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, PR China
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