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Li K, Chen X, Zhang J, Wang C, Xu Q, Hu J, Kai G, Feng Y. Transcriptome Analysis of Stephania tetrandra and Characterization of Norcoclaurine-6-O-Methyltransferase Involved in Benzylisoquinoline Alkaloid Biosynthesis. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:874583. [PMID: 35432428 PMCID: PMC9009073 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.874583] [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: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Stephania tetrandra (S. Moore) is a source of traditional Chinese medicine that is widely used to treat rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, edema, and hypertension. Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs) are the main bioactive compounds. However, the current understanding of the biosynthesis of BIAs in S. tetrandra is poor. Metabolite and transcriptomic analyses of the stem, leaf, xylem, and epidermis of S. tetrandra were performed to identify candidate genes associated with BIAs biosynthesis. According to the metabolite analysis, the majority of the BIAs accumulated in the root, especially in the epidermis. Transcriptome sequencing revealed a total of 113,338 unigenes that were generated by de novo assembly. Among them, 79,638 unigenes were successfully annotated, and 42 candidate structural genes associated with 15 steps of BIA biosynthesis identified. Additionally, a new (S)-norcoclaurine-6-O-methyltransferase (6OMT) gene was identified in S. tetrandra, named St6OMT2. Recombinant St6OMT2 catalyzed (S)-norcoclaurine methylation to form (S)-coclaurine in vitro. Maximum activity of St6OMT2 was determined at 30°C and pH 6.0 in NaAc-HAc buffer. Its half-life at 50°C was 22 min with the Km and kcat of 28.2 μM and 1.5 s-1, respectively. Our results provide crucial transcriptome information for S. tetrandra, shedding light on the understanding of BIAs biosynthesis and further gene functional characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunlun Li
- Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Biotechnology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuefei Chen
- Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Biotechnology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianbo Zhang
- Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Biotechnology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Can Wang
- Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Biotechnology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiwei Xu
- Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Biotechnology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiangning Hu
- Zhejiang Conba Pharmaceutical Limited Company, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guoyin Kai
- Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Biotechnology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue Feng
- Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Biotechnology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
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Li Q, Bu J, Ma Y, Yang J, Hu Z, Lai C, Xu Y, Tang J, Cui G, Wang Y, Zhao Y, Jin B, Shen Y, Guo J, Huang L. Characterization of O-methyltransferases involved in the biosynthesis of tetrandrine in Stephania tetrandra. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 250:153181. [PMID: 32460036 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2020.153181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Tetrandrine is the most effective small molecule that has been found to inhibit the Ebola virus. It is a typical bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid and is the main active ingredient in Stephania tetrandra. Metabolic engineering and synthetic biology are potential methods for efficient and rapid acquisition of tetrandrine. S-adenosyl-L-methionine: (S)-norcoclaurine-6-O-methyltransferase (6OMT) is a rate-limiting step involved in the biosynthesis of tetrandrine. In this study, we identify S-adenosyl-L-methionine: (S)-norcoclaurine-6-O-methyltransferase from S. tetrandra, which catalyzes the conversion of (S)-norcoclaurine to (S)-coclaurine. Four 6OMT-like genes were cloned from S. tetrandra. An in vitro enzyme assay showed that St6OMT1 could catalyze the conversion of (S)-norcoclaurine to produce (S)-coclaurine. St6OMT2 can catalyze the production of very few (S)-coclaurine molecules, accompanied by more by-products with m/z 300, compared to St6OMT1. The newly discovered 6OMTs will provide an optional genetic component for benzylisoquinoline alkaloid (BIA) synthetic biology research. This work will lay the foundation for the analysis of the biosynthetic pathway of tetrandrine in S. tetrandra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qishuang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, No. 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang 212013, China; State Key Laboratory of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 South Side Street, Dongzhimen, Beijing 100700, China.
| | - Junling Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 South Side Street, Dongzhimen, Beijing 100700, China.
| | - Ying Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 South Side Street, Dongzhimen, Beijing 100700, China.
| | - Jian Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 South Side Street, Dongzhimen, Beijing 100700, China.
| | - Zhimin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 South Side Street, Dongzhimen, Beijing 100700, China.
| | - Changjiangsheng Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 South Side Street, Dongzhimen, Beijing 100700, China.
| | - Yanqin Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1688 Meilin Avenue, Nanchang 330004, China.
| | - Jinfu Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 South Side Street, Dongzhimen, Beijing 100700, China.
| | - Guanghong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 South Side Street, Dongzhimen, Beijing 100700, China.
| | - Yanan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 South Side Street, Dongzhimen, Beijing 100700, China.
| | - Yujun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 South Side Street, Dongzhimen, Beijing 100700, China.
| | - Baolong Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 South Side Street, Dongzhimen, Beijing 100700, China.
| | - Ye Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 South Side Street, Dongzhimen, Beijing 100700, China.
| | - Juan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 South Side Street, Dongzhimen, Beijing 100700, China.
| | - Luqi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 South Side Street, Dongzhimen, Beijing 100700, China.
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Khattab AR, Farag MA. Current status and perspectives of xanthones production using cultured plant biocatalyst models aided by in-silico tools for its optimization. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2020; 40:415-431. [DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2020.1721426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Amira R. Khattab
- Pharmacognosy Department, College of Pharmacy, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A. Farag
- Pharmacognosy Department, College of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Chemistry Department, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
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Canedo-Téxon A, Ramón-Farias F, Monribot-Villanueva JL, Villafán E, Alonso-Sánchez A, Pérez-Torres CA, Ángeles G, Guerrero-Analco JA, Ibarra-Laclette E. Novel findings to the biosynthetic pathway of magnoflorine and taspine through transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of Croton draco (Euphorbiaceae). BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2019; 19:560. [PMID: 31852435 PMCID: PMC6921603 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-019-2195-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Croton draco is an arboreal species and its latex as well as some other parts of the plant, are traditionally used in the treatment of a wide range of ailments and diseases. Alkaloids, such as magnoflorine, prevent early atherosclerosis progression while taspine, an abundant constituent of latex, has been described as a wound-healer and antitumor-agent. Despite the great interest for these and other secondary metabolites, no omics resources existed for the species and the biosynthetic pathways of these alkaloids remain largely unknown. RESULTS To gain insights into the pathways involved in magnoflorine and taspine biosynthesis by C. draco and identify the key enzymes in these processes, we performed an integrated analysis of the transcriptome and metabolome in the major organs (roots, stem, leaves, inflorescences, and flowers) of this species. Transcript profiles were generated through high-throughput RNA-sequencing analysis while targeted and high resolution untargeted metabolomic profiling was also performed. The biosynthesis of these compounds appears to occur in the plant organs examined, but intermediaries may be translocated from the cells in which they are produced to other cells in which they accumulate. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide a framework to better understand magnoflorine and taspine biosynthesis in C. draco. In addition, we demonstrate the potential of multi-omics approaches to identify candidate genes involved in the biosynthetic pathways of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anahí Canedo-Téxon
- Instituto de Ecología A.C., Red de Estudios Moleculares Avanzados, 91070 Xalapa, Veracruz, México
| | - Feliza Ramón-Farias
- Universidad Veracruzana (Campus Peñuela-Córdoba), Amatlán de los Reyes, 94945 Veracruz, México
| | | | - Emanuel Villafán
- Instituto de Ecología A.C., Red de Estudios Moleculares Avanzados, 91070 Xalapa, Veracruz, México
| | - Alexandro Alonso-Sánchez
- Instituto de Ecología A.C., Red de Estudios Moleculares Avanzados, 91070 Xalapa, Veracruz, México
| | - Claudia Anahí Pérez-Torres
- Instituto de Ecología A.C., Red de Estudios Moleculares Avanzados, 91070 Xalapa, Veracruz, México
- Catedrático CONACyT en el Instituto de Ecología A.C, Veracruz, México
| | - Guillermo Ángeles
- Instituto de Ecología A.C., Red de Ecología Funcional, 91070 Xalapa, Veracruz, México
| | | | - Enrique Ibarra-Laclette
- Instituto de Ecología A.C., Red de Estudios Moleculares Avanzados, 91070 Xalapa, Veracruz, México
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Caffeic acid O-methyltransferase from Leucaena leucocephala: Cloning, expression, characterization and molecular docking analyses. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molcatb.2014.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Negrel J, Javelle F, Wipf D. Detection of an O-methyltransferase synthesising acetosyringone in methyl jasmonate-treated tobacco cell-suspensions cultures. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2014; 99:52-60. [PMID: 24445177 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2013.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2013] [Revised: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Acetosyringone (3',5'-dimethoxy-4'-hydroxyacetophenone) is a well-known and very effective inducer of the virulence genes of Agrobacterium tumefaciens but the precise pathway of its biosynthesis in plants is still unknown. We have used two tobacco cell lines, cultured in suspension and exhibiting different patterns of accumulation of acetosyringone in their culture medium upon treatment with methyl jasmonate, to study different steps of acetosyringone biosynthesis. In the two cell lines studied, treatment with 100 μM methyl jasmonate triggered a rapid and transient increase in acetovanillone synthase activity followed by a progressive increase in S-adenosyl-L-methionine: 5-hydroxyacetovanillone 5-O-methyltransferase activity which paralleled the rise in acetosyringone concentration in the culture medium. This O-methyltransferase displayed Michaelis-Menten kinetics with an apparent Km value of 18 μM for 5-hydroxyacetovanillone and its activity was magnesium-independent. Its molecular mass was estimated by gel permeation on an FPLC column and was found to be of ca. 81 kDa. 5-Hydroxyacetovanillone was the best substrate among the different o-diphenolic compounds tested as methyl acceptors in the O-methyltransferase assay. No formation of 5-hydroxyacetovanillone could be detected in vitro from 5-hydroxyferuloyl-CoA and NAD in the extracts used to measure acetovanillone synthase activity, indicating that 5-hydroxyacetovanillone is probably formed by direct hydroxylation of acetovanillone rather than by β-oxidation of 5-hydroxyferulic acid. Taken together our results strongly support the hypothesis that acetosyringone biosynthesis in tobacco proceeds from feruloyl-CoA via acetovanillone and 5-hydroxyacetovanillone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Negrel
- UMR 1347 Agroécologie INRA, AgroSup, Université de Bourgogne, 17 rue Sully BP 86510, 21065 Dijon Cedex, France.
| | - Francine Javelle
- UMR 1347 Agroécologie INRA, AgroSup, Université de Bourgogne, 17 rue Sully BP 86510, 21065 Dijon Cedex, France
| | - Daniel Wipf
- UMR 1347 Agroécologie INRA, AgroSup, Université de Bourgogne, 17 rue Sully BP 86510, 21065 Dijon Cedex, France
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7
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Berim A, Hyatt DC, Gang DR. A set of regioselective O-methyltransferases gives rise to the complex pattern of methoxylated flavones in sweet basil. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2012; 160:1052-69. [PMID: 22923679 PMCID: PMC3461529 DOI: 10.1104/pp.112.204164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2012] [Accepted: 08/23/2012] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Polymethoxylated flavonoids occur in a number of plant families, including the Lamiaceae. To date, the metabolic pathways giving rise to the diversity of these compounds have not been studied. Analysis of our expressed sequence tag database for four sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) lines afforded identification of candidate flavonoid O-methyltransferase genes. Recombinant proteins displayed distinct substrate preferences and product specificities that can account for all detected 7-/6-/4'-methylated, 8-unsubstituted flavones. Their biochemical specialization revealed only certain metabolic routes to be highly favorable and therefore likely in vivo. Flavonoid O-methyltransferases catalyzing 4'- and 6-O-methylations shared high identity (approximately 90%), indicating that subtle sequence changes led to functional differentiation. Structure homology modeling suggested the involvement of several amino acid residues in defining the proteins' stringent regioselectivities. The roles of these individual residues were confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis, revealing two discrete mechanisms as a basis for the switch between 6- and 4'-O-methylation of two different substrates. These findings delineate major pathways in a large segment of the flavone metabolic network and provide a foundation for its further elucidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Berim
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164
| | - David C. Hyatt
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164
| | - David R. Gang
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164
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Reichert AI, He XZ, Dixon RA. Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum): characterization of the four tobacco PAL genes and active heterotetrameric enzymes. Biochem J 2009; 424:233-42. [PMID: 19725811 DOI: 10.1042/bj20090620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PAL (L-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase), the first enzyme of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, is often encoded by multigene families in plants. A PCR-based approach was used to isolate cDNA clones corresponding to the four PAL genes of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). By careful comparison of cDNA and genomic clones, a new PAL gene (PAL4) was defined. PCR amplification of PAL sequences from cDNA led to the generation of chimaeric clones between PAL1 and PAL4, and incorrect annotation of PAL4 ESTs (expressed sequence tags) as PAL1 in the EST database has given rise to a randomly shuffled tentative consensus sequence. The PAL2 previously described in the literature was shown, by domain swapping experiments with PAL1, to possess a single nucleotide substitution leading to an inactive enzyme. The altered amino acid resulting from this substitution maps to the base of the active site pocket in the three-dimensional structure of PAL. The inactive PAL2 allele could not be recovered from 13 different tobacco cultivars examined. PALs 1-4 were co-expressed in multiple plant organs, and were also co-induced following exposure of cell cultures to yeast elicitor or methyl jasmonate. All four tobacco PAL proteins expressed in Escherichia coli displayed normal Michaelis-Menten kinetics, with Km values between 36 and 60 muM. Co-expression of different PAL proteins in E. coli resulted in formation of heterotetramers, which possessed kinetic properties within the same range as those of the individual homotetramers. The potential physiological function of heterotetrameric PAL forms is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika I Reichert
- Plant Biology Division, Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, 2510 Sam Noble Parkway, Ardmore, OK 73401, USA
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9
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Deavours BE, Liu CJ, Naoumkina MA, Tang Y, Farag MA, Sumner LW, Noel JP, Dixon RA. Functional analysis of members of the isoflavone and isoflavanone O-methyltransferase enzyme families from the model legume Medicago truncatula. PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2006; 62:715-33. [PMID: 17001495 PMCID: PMC2862459 DOI: 10.1007/s11103-006-9050-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2006] [Accepted: 07/08/2006] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have identified two distinct O-methyltransferases (OMTs) implicated in isoflavonoid biosynthesis in Medicago species, a 7-OMT methylating the A-ring 7-hydroxyl of the isoflavone daidzein and a 4'-OMT methylating the B-ring 4'-hydroxyl of 2,7,4'-trihydroxyisoflavanone. Genes related to these OMTs from the model legume Medicago truncatula cluster as separate branches of the type I plant small molecule OMT family. To better understand the possible functions of these related OMTs in secondary metabolism in M. truncatula, seven of the OMTs were expressed in E. coli, purified, and their in vitro substrate preferences determined. Many of the enzymes display promiscuous activities, and some exhibit dual regio-specificity for the 4' and 7-hydroxyl moieties of the isoflavonoid nucleus. Protein structure homology modeling was used to help rationalize these catalytic activities. Transcripts encoding the different OMT genes exhibited differential tissue-specific and infection- or elicitor-induced expression, but not always in parallel with changes in expression of confirmed genes of the isoflavonoid pathway. The results are discussed in relation to the potential in vivo functions of these OMTs based on our current understanding of the phytochemistry of M. truncatula, and the difficulties associated with gene annotation in plant secondary metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina E. Deavours
- Plant Biology Division, Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, 2510 Sam Noble Parkway, Ardmore, OK 73401, USA
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Chang-Jun Liu
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Jack Skirball Chemical Biology and Proteomics Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92036, USA
- Biology Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, USA
| | - Marina A. Naoumkina
- Plant Biology Division, Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, 2510 Sam Noble Parkway, Ardmore, OK 73401, USA
| | - Yuhong Tang
- Plant Biology Division, Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, 2510 Sam Noble Parkway, Ardmore, OK 73401, USA
| | - Mohamed A. Farag
- Plant Biology Division, Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, 2510 Sam Noble Parkway, Ardmore, OK 73401, USA
| | - Lloyd W. Sumner
- Plant Biology Division, Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, 2510 Sam Noble Parkway, Ardmore, OK 73401, USA
| | - Joseph P. Noel
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Jack Skirball Chemical Biology and Proteomics Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92036, USA
| | - Richard A. Dixon
- Plant Biology Division, Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, 2510 Sam Noble Parkway, Ardmore, OK 73401, USA
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Nielsen AH, Olsen CE, Møller BL. Flavonoids in flowers of 16 Kalanchoë blossfeldiana varieties. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2005; 66:2829-35. [PMID: 16297414 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2005.09.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2005] [Revised: 09/26/2005] [Accepted: 09/27/2005] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Kalanchoë blossfeldiana varieties with orange, pink, red and magenta flowers were found to contain 3,5-O-beta-D-diglucosides of pelargonidin, cyanidin, peonidin, delphinidin, petunidin and malvidin. Pink, red and magenta varieties contained relatively high amounts of quercetin based flavonols. Four distinct quercetin flavonols were identified, namely quercetin 3-O-beta-D-glucoside and three that were quercetin 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnoside based, with either glucose, xylose or arabinose attached to position 2 of the rhamnose. In addition, the presence of at least three kaempferol based diglycosides was suggested from LC-MS analyses. Orange varieties contained very low amounts of flavonol co-pigments and of delphinidin derivatives. The flower extracts of the varieties 'Diva' (magenta) and 'Molly' (red) had identical anthocyanin ratios but differed significantly in flavonol content. The magenta variety contained four times as much quercetin relative to anthocyanidin as the red variety. This difference was mainly due to a larger content of quercetin 3-O-(2''-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside). Based on pigment and co-pigment analyses, approaches for molecular breeding towards blue flower colour are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan Holm Nielsen
- Plant Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Plant Biology, Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, 40 Thorvaldsensvej, DK-1871 Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Kim BG, Shin KH, Lee Y, Hur HG, Lim Y, Ahn JH. Multiple Regiospecific Methylations of a Flavonoid by Plant O-Methyltransferases Expressed in E. coli. Biotechnol Lett 2005; 27:1861-4. [PMID: 16328980 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-005-3893-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2005] [Accepted: 09/23/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Quercetin was methylated with two O-methyltransferases (OMTs) expressed in E. coli. A construct (RSOMT) was designed to express two OMTs: ROMT-9, which methylates specifically at the 3'-hydroxyl group of quercetin and SOMT-2, which methylates at the 4'-hydroxyl group. Both OMT genes were driven by T7 promoters and had ribosome binding sites. Both ROMT-9 and SOMT-2 were successfully expressed in E. coli transformant harboring RSOMT. Reaction products of quercetin with E. coli transformant containing RSOMT showed two methylation products that corresponded to the 3'-methylated and the 3',4'-dimethylated quercetin, which were confirmed by NMR. More than 90% of quercetin was converted into the 3',4'-dimethylated quercetin after 24 h incubation with E. coli transformant harboring RSOMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bong Gyu Kim
- Bio/Molecular Informatics Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Konkuk University, 143-701, Seoul, Korea
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12
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Kim DH, Kim BG, Lee Y, Ryu JY, Lim Y, Hur HG, Ahn JH. Regiospecific methylation of naringenin to ponciretin by soybean O-methyltransferase expressed in Escherichia coli. J Biotechnol 2005; 119:155-62. [PMID: 15961179 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2005.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2004] [Revised: 04/04/2005] [Accepted: 04/12/2005] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Flavonoids found in plants most likely undergo a variety of modification reactions such as hydroxylation, glycosylation, and/or methylation. Among these, O-methylation has an effect on the solubility and thus on the antimicrobial activity of the flavonoids. We analyzed the conversion of naringenin with a methyltransferase, SOMT-2, from Glycine max. SOMT-2 was expressed in Escherichia coli as a glutathion S-transferase fusion protein. E. coli harboring SOMT-2 was grown with daidzein, geninstein, apigenin, naringenin, and quercetin, respectively, and reaction products were analyzed with thin layer chromatography and HPLC. SOMT-2 could convert apigenin, daidzein, genistein, and quercetin into the corresponding 4'-O-methylated compounds such as acacetin, formononetin, biochanine A, and 4'-methylated quercetin whereas naringenin turned out to be the best substrate tested. SOMT-2 stoichiometically converted naringenin (4',5,7-trihyroxyflavanone) into a ponciretin (4'-methoxy-5,7-dihydroxyflavanone), whose structure was determined by NMR and LC/mass spectral analyses. Considering the reactions, SOMT-2 may have a regiospecific methylation activity, resulting in transforming 4'-hydroxyl group of flavonoids B-ring to 4'-methyl group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae Hwan Kim
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Bio/Molecular Informatics Center, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-dong, Kwangjin-gu, Seoul 143-701, Korea
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Jørgensen K, Rasmussen AV, Morant M, Nielsen AH, Bjarnholt N, Zagrobelny M, Bak S, Møller BL. Metabolon formation and metabolic channeling in the biosynthesis of plant natural products. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2005; 8:280-91. [PMID: 15860425 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2005.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 336] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Metabolon formation and metabolic channeling in plant secondary metabolism enable plants to effectively synthesize specific natural products and to avoid metabolic interference. Channeling can involve different cell types, take advantage of compartmentalization within the same cell or proceed directly within a metabolon. New experimental approaches document the importance of channeling in the synthesis of isoprenoids, alkaloids, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids and cyanogenic glucosides. Metabolon formation and metabolic channeling in natural-product synthesis facilitate attempts to genetically engineer new pathways into plants to improve their content of valuable natural products. They also offer the opportunity to introduce new traits by genetic engineering to produce plant cultivars that adhere to the principle of substantial equivalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Jørgensen
- Plant Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Plant Biology, Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, 40 Thorvaldsensvej, DK-1871 Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Willits MG, Giovanni M, Prata RTN, Kramer CM, De Luca V, Steffens JC, Graser G. Bio-fermentation of modified flavonoids: an example of in vivo diversification of secondary metabolites. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2004; 65:31-41. [PMID: 14697269 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2003.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
A bio-fermentation technique was used for the in vivo diversification of flavonoid structures based on expression in Escherichia coli of six O-methyltransferases (OMTs) from Mentha x piperita and one O-glucosyltransferase (GT) each from Arabidopsis thaliana and Allium cepa. Enzymes were shown to be regio-specific in in vitro experiments and modified a broad range of flavonoid substrates at various positions. Using the flavonol quercetin as a model substrate, we show that the product spectrum produced with the in vivo approach is identical to that found in vitro. Additionally, using mixed cultures of E. coli expressing different classes of modifying genes (OMTs and GTs), the production of polymethylated flavonoid glucosides was observed. This report demonstrates the potential to increase the structural diversity of plant secondary metabolites using a multi-enzyme, bio-fermentation approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Willits
- Syngenta Biotechnology, Inc., 3054 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
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Martens S, Forkmann G, Britsch L, Wellmann F, Matern U, Lukacin R. Divergent evolution of flavonoid 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases in parsley. FEBS Lett 2003; 544:93-8. [PMID: 12782296 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(03)00479-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Flavone synthases (FNSs) catalyze the oxidation of flavanones to flavones, i.e. the formation of apigenin from (2S)-naringenin. While many plants express a microsomal-type FNS II, the soluble FNS I appears to be confined to a few species of the Apiaceae and was cloned recently from parsley plants. FNS I belongs to the Fe(II)/2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases characterized by short conserved sequence elements for cofactor binding, and its evolutionary context and mode of action are under investigation. Using a homology-based reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction approach, two additional flavonoid-specific dioxygenases were cloned from immature parsley leaflets, which were identified as flavanone 3beta-hydroxylase (FHT) and flavonol synthase (FLS) after expression in yeast cells. Sequence alignments revealed marginal differences among the parsley FNS I and FHT polypeptides of only 6%, while much less identity (about 29%) was observed with the parsley FLS. Analogous to FNS I, FLS oxidizes the flavonoid gamma-pyrone by introducing a C2, C3 double bond, and (2R,3S)-dihydrokaempferol (cis-dihydrokaempferol) was proposed recently as the most likely intermediate in both FNS I and FLS catalysis. Incubation of either FNS I or FLS with cis-dihydrokaempferol exclusively produced kaempferol and confirmed the assumption that flavonol formation occurs via hydroxylation at C3 followed by dehydratation. However, the lack of apigenin in these incubations ruled out cis-dihydrokaempferol as a free intermediate in FNS I catalysis. Furthermore, neither (+)-trans-dihydrokaempferol nor unnatural (-)-trans-dihydrokaempferol and 2-hydroxynaringenin served as a substrate for FNS I. Overall, the data suggest that FNS I has evolved uniquely in some Apiaceae as a paraphyletic gene from FHT, irrespective of the fact that FNS I and FLS catalyze equivalent desaturation reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Martens
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Biologie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Deutschhausstrasse 17 A, Germany
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Abstract
The multitude of metabolites found in living organisms and the calculated, unexpected small number of genes identified during genome sequencing projects discomfit biologists. Several processes on the transcription and translation level lead to the formation of isoenzymes and can therefore explain at least parts of this surprising result. However, poor enzyme specificity may also contribute to metabolome diversity. In former studies, when enzymes were isolated from natural sources, impure protein preparations were hold responsible for broad enzyme specificity. Nowadays, highly purified enzymes are available by molecular biological methods such as heterologous expression in host organisms and they can be thoroughly analyzed. During biochemical analysis of heterologously expressed enzymes poor specificity was observed for enzymes involved in fruit ripening, e.g. in flavour and color formation. Surprisingly broad specificity was shown for the reactants in the case of alcohol acyl-CoA transferase, O-methyltransferase, glucosyltransferase, P450 monooxygenases as well as polyketide synthases and for the product in the case of monoterpene synthases. Literature data confirm the assumption of limited specificity for enzymes involved in metabolism and bioformation of secondary metabolites. It is concluded that metabolome diversity is caused by low enzyme specificity but availability of suitable substrates due to compartmentation has also taken into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilfried Schwab
- Lehrstuhl für Lebensmittelchemie, Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074, Würzburg, Germany.
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Abstract
Recent achievements have been made in the metabolic engineering of plant secondary metabolism. Various pathways have been altered using genes encoding biosynthetic enzymes or genes encoding regulatory proteins. In addition, antisense genes have been used to block competitive pathways, thereby increasing the flux towards the desired secondary metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Verpoorte
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Leiden/Amsterdam Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Chen F, Kota P, Blount JW, Dixon RA. Chemical syntheses of caffeoyl and 5-OH coniferyl aldehydes and alcohols and determination of lignin O-methyltransferase activities in dicot and monocot species. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2001; 58:1035-42. [PMID: 11730866 DOI: 10.1016/s0031-9422(01)00391-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the substrate preferences of O-methyltransferases in the monolignol biosynthetic pathways, caffeoyl and 5-hydroxy coniferyl aldehydes were synthesized by a new procedure involving a Wittig reaction with the corresponding hydroxybenzaldehydes. The same procedure can also be used to synthesize caffeoyl and 5-hydroxyconiferyl alcohols. Relative O-methyltransferase activities against these substrates were determined using crude extracts and recombinant caffeic acid O-methyltransferase from alfalfa (Medicago sativa), and crude extracts from the model legume Medicago truncatula, tobacco, wheat and tall fescue. Extracts from all these species catalyzed methylation of the various monolignol aldehydes and alcohols more effectively than the corresponding hydroxycinnamic acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Chen
- Plant Biology Division, Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, 2510 Sam Noble Parkway, Ardmore, OK 73401, USA
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Abstract
Plants elaborate a vast array of natural products, many of which have evolved to confer selective advantage against microbial attack. Recent advances in molecular technology, aided by the enormous power of large-scale genomics initiatives, are leading to a more complete understanding of the enzymatic machinery that underlies the often complex pathways of plant natural product biosynthesis. Meanwhile, genetic and reverse genetic approaches are providing evidence for the importance of natural products in host defence. Metabolic engineering of natural product pathways is now a feasible strategy for enhancement of plant disease resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Dixon
- Plant Biology Division, Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401, USA
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De Luca V, Laflamme P. The expanding universe of alkaloid biosynthesis. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2001; 4:225-33. [PMID: 11312133 DOI: 10.1016/s1369-5266(00)00165-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Characterization of many of the major gene families responsible for the generation of central intermediates and for their decoration, together with the development of large genomics and proteomics databases, has revolutionized our capability to identify exotic and interesting natural-product pathways. Over the next few years, these tools will facilitate dramatic advances in our knowledge of the biosynthesis of alkaloids, which will far surpass that which we have learned in the past 50 years. These tools will also be exploited for the rapid characterization of regulatory genes, which control the development of specialized cell factories for alkaloid biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- V De Luca
- Institut de Recherche en Biologie Végétale, Département de Sciences Biologiques, Université de Montréal, 4101 rue Sherbrooke est, Montréal, H1X 2B2, Québec, Canada.
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Cordell GA, Quinn-Beattie ML, Farnsworth NR. The potential of alkaloids in drug discovery. Phytother Res 2001; 15:183-205. [PMID: 11351353 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Alkaloids are an important group of diversely distributed, chemically, biologically and commercially significant natural products. This article suggests why now, with the presently available technology, and the remaining biome available and reasonably accessible, is an opportune moment to consciously focus on the discovery of further alkaloids with pharmacophoric utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- G A Cordell
- Program for Collaborative Research in the Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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