1
|
Yang L, Wang C, Lai X, Jin S, Wang X, Wen Z, Yang M, Fazal A, Ding Y, Li Z, Cai J, Lu G, Lin H, Han H, Yang Y, Qi J. In vivo transgenic studies confirm the critical acylation function of LeBAHD56 for shikonin in Lithospermum erythrorhizon. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2024; 43:160. [PMID: 38825616 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-024-03242-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE LeBAHD56 is preferentially expressed in tissues where shikonin and its derivatives are biosynthesized, and it confers shikonin acylation in vivo. Two WRKY transcriptional factors might regulate LeBAHD56's expression. Shikonin and its derivatives, found in the roots of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, have extensive application in the field of medicine, cosmetics, and other industries. Prior research has demonstrated that LeBAHD1(LeSAT1) is responsible for the biochemical process of shikonin acylation both in vitro and in vivo. However, with the exception of its documented in vitro biochemical function, there is no in vivo genetic evidence supporting the acylation function of the highly homologous gene of LeSAT1, LeBAHD56(LeSAT2), apart from its reported role. Here, we validated the critical acylation function of LeBAHD56 for shikonin using overexpression (OE) and CRISPR/Cas9-based knockout (KO) strategies. The results showed that the OE lines had a significantly higher ratio of acetylshikonin, isobutyrylshikonin or isovalerylshikonin to shikonin than the control. In contrast, the KO lines had a significantly lower ratio of acetylshikonin, isobutyrylshikonin or isovalerylshikonin to shikonin than controls. As for its detailed expression patterns, we found that LeBAHD56 is preferentially expressed in roots and callus cells, which are the biosynthesis sites for shikonin and its derivatives. In addition, we anticipated that a wide range of putative transcription factors might control its transcription and verified the direct binding of two crucial WRKY members to the LeBAHD56 promoter's W-box. Our results not only confirmed the in vivo function of LeBAHD56 in shikonin acylation, but also shed light on its transcriptional regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Changyi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Xiaohui Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
- School of Biology and Geography Science, Yili Normal University, Yining, 835000, China
| | - Suo Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Zhongling Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Minkai Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Aliya Fazal
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Yuhang Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Zhongyi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Jinfeng Cai
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Guihua Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Hongyan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Hongwei Han
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Yonghua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China.
| | - Jinliang Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Oshikiri H, Li H, Manabe M, Yamamoto H, Yazaki K, Takanashi K. Comparative Analysis of Shikonin and Alkannin Acyltransferases Reveals Their Functional Conservation in Boraginaceae. PLANT & CELL PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 65:362-371. [PMID: 38181221 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcad158] [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: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Shikonin and its enantiomer, alkannin, are bioactive naphthoquinones produced in several plants of the family Boraginaceae. The structures of these acylated derivatives, which have various short-chain acyl moieties, differ among plant species. The acylation of shikonin and alkannin in Lithospermum erythrorhizon was previously reported to be catalyzed by two enantioselective BAHD acyltransferases, shikonin O-acyltransferase (LeSAT1) and alkannin O-acyltransferase (LeAAT1). However, the mechanisms by which various shikonin and alkannin derivatives are produced in Boraginaceae plants remain to be determined. In the present study, evaluation of six Boraginaceae plants identified 23 homologs of LeSAT1 and LeAAT1, with 15 of these enzymes found to catalyze the acylation of shikonin or alkannin, utilizing acetyl-CoA, isobutyryl-CoA or isovaleryl-CoA as an acyl donor. Analyses of substrate specificities of these enzymes for both acyl donors and acyl acceptors and determination of their subcellular localization using Nicotiana benthamiana revealed a distinct functional differentiation of BAHD acyltransferases in Boraginaceae plants. Gene expression of these acyltransferases correlated with the enantiomeric ratio of produced shikonin/alkannin derivatives in L. erythrorhizon and Echium plantagineum. These enzymes showed conserved substrate specificities for acyl donors among plant species, indicating that the diversity in acyl moieties of shikonin/alkannin derivatives involved factors other than the differentiation of acyltransferases. These findings provide insight into the chemical diversification and evolutionary processes of shikonin/alkannin derivatives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haruka Oshikiri
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shinshu University, Asahi 3-1-1, Matsumoto, Nagano, 390-8621 Japan
| | - Hao Li
- Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto, 611-0011 Japan
| | - Misaki Manabe
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shinshu University, Asahi 3-1-1, Matsumoto, Nagano, 390-8621 Japan
| | - Hirobumi Yamamoto
- Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Toyo University, Izumino 1-1-1, Itakura-machi, Oru-gun, Gunma, 374-0193 Japan
| | - Kazufumi Yazaki
- Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto, 611-0011 Japan
| | - Kojiro Takanashi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shinshu University, Asahi 3-1-1, Matsumoto, Nagano, 390-8621 Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liu X, Ma Y, Bu J, Lian C, Ma R, Li Q, Jiao X, Hu Z, Chen Y, Chen S, Guo J, Huang L. Characterization of CYP82 genes involved in the biosynthesis of structurally diverse benzylisoquinoline alkaloids in Corydalis yanhusuo. PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 114:23. [PMID: 38453737 DOI: 10.1007/s11103-023-01397-7] [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: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs) represent a significant class of secondary metabolites with crucial roles in plant physiology and substantial potential for clinical applications. CYP82 genes are involved in the formation and modification of various BIA skeletons, contributing to the structural diversity of compounds. In this study, Corydalis yanhusuo, a traditional Chinese medicine rich in BIAs, was investigated to identify the catalytic function of CYP82s during BIA formation. Specifically, 20 CyCYP82-encoding genes were cloned, and their functions were identified in vitro. Ten of these CyCYP82s were observed to catalyze hydroxylation, leading to the formation of protopine and benzophenanthridine scaffolds. Furthermore, the correlation between BIA accumulation and the expression of CyCYP82s in different tissues of C. yanhusuo was assessed their. The identification and characterization of CyCYP82s provide novel genetic elements that can advance the synthetic biology of BIA compounds such as protopine and benzophenanthridine, and offer insights into the biosynthesis of BIAs with diverse structures in C. yanhusuo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiuyu Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No. 156 Jinshuidong Road, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Ying Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, Chinan Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100000, China
| | - Junling Bu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, Chinan Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100000, China
| | - Conglong Lian
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No. 156 Jinshuidong Road, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Rui Ma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No. 156 Jinshuidong Road, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Qishuang Li
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, Chinan Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100000, China
| | - Xiang Jiao
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Kemivägen 10, 41296, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Zhimin Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, Chinan Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100000, China
| | - Yun Chen
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Kemivägen 10, 41296, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Suiqing Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No. 156 Jinshuidong Road, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
| | - Juan Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, Chinan Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100000, China.
| | - Luqi Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, Chinan Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang X, Wang C, Yang M, Jie W, Fazal A, Fu J, Yin T, Cai J, Liu B, Lu G, Lin H, Han H, Wen Z, Qi J, Yang Y. Genome-Wide Comparison and Functional Characterization of HMGR Gene Family Associated with Shikonin Biosynthesis in Lithospermum erythrorhizon. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12532. [PMID: 37569907 PMCID: PMC10419935 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR), as the rate-limiting enzyme in the mevalonate pathway, is essential for the biosynthesis of shikonin in Lithospermum erythrorhizon. However, in the absence of sufficient data, the principles of a genome-wide in-depth evolutionary exploration of HMGR family members in plants, as well as key members related to shikonin biosynthesis, remain unidentified. In this study, 124 HMGRs were identified and characterized from 36 representative plants, including L. erythrorhizon. Vascular plants were found to have more HMGR family genes than nonvascular plants. The phylogenetic tree revealed that during lineage and species diversification, the HMGRs evolved independently and intronless LerHMGRs emerged from multi-intron HMGR in land plants. Among them, Pinus tabuliformis and L. erythrorhizon had the most HMGR gene duplications, with 11 LerHMGRs most likely expanded through WGD/segmental and tandem duplications. In seedling roots and M9 cultured cells/hairy roots, where shikonin biosynthesis occurs, LerHMGR1 and LerHMGR2 were expressed significantly more than other genes. The enzymatic activities of LerHMGR1 and LerHMGR2 further supported their roles in catalyzing the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate. Our findings provide insight into the molecular evolutionary properties and function of the HMGR family in plants and a basis for the genetic improvement of efficiently produced secondary metabolites in L. erythrorhizon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Changyi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Minkai Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Wencai Jie
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Aliya Fazal
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jiangyan Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Tongming Yin
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Jinfeng Cai
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Bao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of the Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Guihua Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
- School of Life Sciences, Huaiyin Normal University, Huaian 223300, China
| | - Hongyan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Hongwei Han
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Zhongling Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Jinliang Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Yonghua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang R, Liu C, Lyu C, Sun J, Kang C, Ma Y, Wan X, Guo J, Shi L, Wang J, Huang L, Wang S, Guo L. The discovery and characterization of AeHGO in the branching route from shikonin biosynthesis to shikonofuran in Arnebia euchroma. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1160571. [PMID: 37180378 PMCID: PMC10167036 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1160571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Shikonin derivatives are natural naphthoquinone compounds and the main bioactive components produced by several boraginaceous plants, such as Lithospermum erythrorhizon and Arnebia euchroma. Phytochemical studies utilizing both L. erythrorhizon and A. euchroma cultured cells indicate the existence of a competing route branching out from the shikonin biosynthetic pathway to shikonofuran. A previous study has shown that the branch point is the transformation from (Z)-3''-hydroxy-geranylhydroquinone to an aldehyde intermediate (E)-3''-oxo-geranylhydroquinone. However, the gene encoding the oxidoreductase that catalyzes the branch reaction remains unidentified. In this study, we discovered a candidate gene belonging to the cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase family, AeHGO, through coexpression analysis of transcriptome data sets of shikonin-proficient and shikonin-deficient cell lines of A. euchroma. In biochemical assays, purified AeHGO protein reversibly oxidized (Z)-3''-hydroxy-geranylhydroquinone to produce (E)-3''-oxo-geranylhydroquinone followed by reversibly reducing (E)-3''-oxo-geranylhydroquinone to (E)-3''-hydroxy-geranylhydroquinone, resulting in an equilibrium mixture of the three compounds. Time course analysis and kinetic parameters showed that the reduction of (E)-3''-oxo-geranylhydroquinone was stereoselective and efficient in presence of NADPH, which determined that the overall reaction proceeded from (Z)-3''-hydroxy-geranylhydroquinone to (E)-3''-hydroxy-geranylhydroquinone. Considering that there is a competition between the accumulation of shikonin and shikonofuran derivatives in cultured plant cells, AeHGO is supposed to play an important role in the metabolic regulation of the shikonin biosynthetic pathway. Characterization of AeHGO should help expedite the development of metabolic engineering and synthetic biology toward production of shikonin derivatives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Luqi Huang
- *Correspondence: Luqi Huang, ; Sheng Wang, ; Lanping Guo,
| | - Sheng Wang
- *Correspondence: Luqi Huang, ; Sheng Wang, ; Lanping Guo,
| | - Lanping Guo
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tatsumi K, Ichino T, Isaka N, Sugiyama A, Moriyoshi E, Okazaki Y, Higashi Y, Kajikawa M, Tsuji Y, Fukuzawa H, Toyooka K, Sato M, Ichi I, Shimomura K, Ohta H, Saito K, Yazaki K. Excretion of triacylglycerol as a matrix lipid facilitating apoplastic accumulation of a lipophilic metabolite shikonin. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023; 74:104-117. [PMID: 36223279 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Plants produce a large variety of lipophilic metabolites, many of which are secreted by cells and accumulated in apoplasts. These compounds often play a role to protect plants from environmental stresses. However, little is known about how these lipophilic compounds are secreted into apoplastic spaces. In this study, we used shikonin-producing cultured cells of Lithospermum erythrorhizon as an experimental model system to analyze the secretion of lipophilic metabolites, taking advantage of its high production rate and the clear inducibility in culture. Shikonin derivatives are lipophilic red naphthoquinone compounds that accumulate exclusively in apoplastic spaces of these cells and also in the root epidermis of intact plants. Microscopic analysis showed that shikonin is accumulated in the form of numerous particles on the cell wall. Lipidomic analysis showed that L. erythrorhizon cultured cells secrete an appreciable portion of triacylglycerol (24-38% of total triacylglycerol), composed predominantly of saturated fatty acids. Moreover, in vitro reconstitution assay showed that triacylglycerol encapsulates shikonin derivatives with phospholipids to form lipid droplet-like structures. These findings suggest a novel role for triacylglycerol as a matrix lipid, a molecular component involved in the secretion of specialized lipophilic metabolites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kanade Tatsumi
- Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Uji, 611-0011, Japan
| | - Takuji Ichino
- Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Uji, 611-0011, Japan
| | - Natsumi Isaka
- Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Uji, 611-0011, Japan
| | - Akifumi Sugiyama
- Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Uji, 611-0011, Japan
| | - Eiko Moriyoshi
- Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Uji, 611-0011, Japan
| | - Yozo Okazaki
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Higashi
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Masataka Kajikawa
- Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Tsuji
- Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Hideya Fukuzawa
- Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Kiminori Toyooka
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Mayuko Sato
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Ikuyo Ichi
- Institute for Human Life Innovation, Ochanomizu University, Tokyo 112-8610, Japan
| | - Koichiro Shimomura
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Toyo University, Gunma, 374-0193, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Ohta
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, 226-8501, Japan
| | - Kazuki Saito
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
- Plant Molecular Science Center, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8675, Japan
| | - Kazufumi Yazaki
- Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Uji, 611-0011, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang X, He Z, Yang H, He C, Wang C, Fazal A, Lai X, Yang L, Wen Z, Yang M, Ma S, Jie W, Cai J, Yin T, Liu B, Yang Y, Qi J. Genome-Wide Identification of LeBAHDs in Lithospermum erythrorhizon and In Vivo Transgenic Studies Confirm the Critical Roles of LeBAHD1/LeSAT1 in the Conversion of Shikonin to Acetylshikonin. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12111775. [PMID: 36362930 PMCID: PMC9694994 DOI: 10.3390/life12111775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The BAHD acyltransferase family is a unique class of plant proteins that acylates plant metabolites and participates in plant secondary metabolic processes. However, the BAHD members in Lithospermum erythrorhizon remain unknown and uncharacterized. Although the heterologously expressed L. erythrorhizon BAHD family member LeSAT1 in Escherichia coli has been shown to catalyze the conversion of shikonin to acetylshikonin in vitro, its in vivo role remains unknown. In this study, the characterization, evolution, expression patterns, and gene function of LeBAHDs in L. erythrorhizon were explored by bioinformatics and transgenic analysis. We totally identified 73 LeBAHDs in the reference genome of L. erythrorhizon. All LeBAHDs were phylogenetically classified into five clades likely to perform different functions, and were mainly expanded by dispersed and WGD/segmental duplication. The in vivo functional investigation of the key member LeBAHD1/LeSAT1 revealed that overexpression of LeBAHD1 in hairy roots significantly increased the content of acetylshikonin as well as the conversion rate of shikonin to acetylshikonin, whereas the CRISPR/Cas9-based knockout of LeBAHD1 in hairy roots displayed the opposite trend. Our results not only confirm the in vivo function of LeBAHD1/LeSAT1 in the biosynthesis of acetylshikonin, but also provide new insights for the biosynthetic pathway of shikonin and its derivatives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Zhuoyu He
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Huan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Cong He
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Changyi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Aliya Fazal
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiaohui Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Liangjie Yang
- Yili Key Laboratory of Applied Research and Development on Active Ingredients of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Yili National Agricultural Science and Technology Park at Xinjiang, Yili 835600, China
| | - Zhongling Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Minkai Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Shenglin Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wencai Jie
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jinfeng Cai
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Tongming Yin
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Bao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of the Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Yonghua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- Correspondence: (Y.Y.); (J.Q.)
| | - Jinliang Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute for Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- Correspondence: (Y.Y.); (J.Q.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ahmad M, Varela Alonso A, Koletti AE, Rodić N, Reichelt M, Rödel P, Assimopoulou AN, Paun O, Declerck S, Schneider C, Molin EM. Dynamics of alkannin/shikonin biosynthesis in response to jasmonate and salicylic acid in Lithospermum officinale. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17093. [PMID: 36224205 PMCID: PMC9554848 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21322-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Alkannin/shikonin and their derivatives are specialised metabolites of high pharmaceutical and ecological importance exclusively produced in the periderm of members of the plant family Boraginaceae. Previous studies have shown that their biosynthesis is induced in response to methyl jasmonate but not salicylic acid, two phytohormones that play important roles in plant defence. However, mechanistic understanding of induction and non-induction remains largely unknown. In the present study, we generated the first comprehensive transcriptomic dataset and metabolite profiles of Lithospermum officinale plants treated with methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid to shed light on the underlying mechanisms. Our results highlight the diverse biological processes activated by both phytohormones and reveal the important regulatory role of the mevalonate pathway in alkannin/shikonin biosynthesis in L. officinale. Furthermore, by modelling a coexpression network, we uncovered structural and novel regulatory candidate genes connected to alkannin/shikonin biosynthesis. Besides providing new mechanistic insights into alkannin/shikonin biosynthesis, the generated methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid elicited expression profiles together with the coexpression networks serve as important functional genomic resources for the scientific community aiming at deepening the understanding of alkannin/shikonin biosynthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ahmad
- grid.4332.60000 0000 9799 7097Center for Health & Bioresources, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Tulln, Austria ,grid.10420.370000 0001 2286 1424Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alicia Varela Alonso
- grid.506382.aInstitut für Pflanzenkultur GmbH & Co. KG., Schnega, Germany ,grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XEarth and Life Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Antigoni E. Koletti
- grid.4793.90000000109457005Department of Chemical Engineering, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Center of Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Natural Products Research Centre of Excellence (NatPro-AUTh), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloníki, Greece
| | - Nebojša Rodić
- grid.4793.90000000109457005Department of Chemical Engineering, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Center of Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Natural Products Research Centre of Excellence (NatPro-AUTh), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloníki, Greece
| | - Michael Reichelt
- grid.418160.a0000 0004 0491 7131Department of Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Philipp Rödel
- grid.506382.aInstitut für Pflanzenkultur GmbH & Co. KG., Schnega, Germany
| | - Andreana N. Assimopoulou
- grid.4793.90000000109457005Department of Chemical Engineering, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Center of Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Natural Products Research Centre of Excellence (NatPro-AUTh), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloníki, Greece
| | - Ovidiu Paun
- grid.10420.370000 0001 2286 1424Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stéphane Declerck
- grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XEarth and Life Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Carolin Schneider
- grid.506382.aInstitut für Pflanzenkultur GmbH & Co. KG., Schnega, Germany
| | - Eva M. Molin
- grid.4332.60000 0000 9799 7097Center for Health & Bioresources, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Tulln, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yadav S, Sharma A, Nayik GA, Cooper R, Bhardwaj G, Sohal HS, Mutreja V, Kaur R, Areche FO, AlOudat M, Shaikh AM, Kovács B, Mohamed Ahmed AE. Review of Shikonin and Derivatives: Isolation, Chemistry, Biosynthesis, Pharmacology and Toxicology. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:905755. [PMID: 35847041 PMCID: PMC9283906 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.905755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Shikonin and its derivatives, isolated from traditional medicinal plant species of the genus Lithospermum, Alkanna, Arnebia, Anchusa, Onosma, and Echium belonging to the Boraginaceae family, have numerous applications in foods, cosmetics, and textiles. Shikonin, a potent bioactive red pigment, has been used in traditional medicinal systems to cure various ailments and is well known for its diverse pharmacological potential such as anticancer, antithrombotic, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-gonadotropic, antioxidants, antimicrobial and insecticidal. Herein, updated research on the natural sources, pharmacology, toxicity studies, and various patents filed worldwide related to shikonin and approaches to shikonin’s biogenic and chemical synthesis are reviewed. Furthermore, recent studies to establish reliable production systems to meet market demand, functional identification, and future clinical development of shikonin and its derivatives against various diseases are presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Snehlata Yadav
- Department of Chemistry, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India
| | - Ajay Sharma
- Department of Chemistry, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India
- University Centre for Research and Development, Department of Chemistry, Chandigarh University, Chandigarh- Ludhiana Highway, Mohali, India
| | - Gulzar Ahmad Nayik
- Department of Food Science & Technology, Govt. Degree College Shopian, Srinagar, India
| | - Raymond Cooper
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Garima Bhardwaj
- Department of Chemistry, Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Longowal, Sangrur, India
| | | | - Vishal Mutreja
- Department of Chemistry, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India
| | - Ramandeep Kaur
- Department of Chemistry, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India
| | - Franklin Ore Areche
- Professional School of Agroindustrial Engineering, National University of Huancavelica, Huancavelica, Peru
| | - Mohannad AlOudat
- Doctoral School of Food Science, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Budapset, Hungary
| | | | - Béla Kovács
- Institute of Food Science, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Abdelhakam Esmaeil Mohamed Ahmed
- Institute of Food Science, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Faculty of Forestry, University of Khartoum, Khartoum North, Sudan
- *Correspondence: Abdelhakam Esmaeil Mohamed Ahmed,
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Li H, Matsuda H, Tsuboyama A, Munakata R, Sugiyama A, Yazaki K. Inventory of ATP-binding cassette proteins in Lithospermum erythrorhizon as a model plant producing divergent secondary metabolites. DNA Res 2022; 29:6596041. [PMID: 35640979 PMCID: PMC9195045 DOI: 10.1093/dnares/dsac016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins are the largest membrane transporter family in plants. In addition to transporting organic substances, these proteins function as ion channels and molecular switches. The development of multiple genes encoding ABC proteins has been associated with their various biological roles. Plants utilize many secondary metabolites to adapt to environmental stresses and to communicate with other organisms, with many ABC proteins thought to be involved in metabolite transport. Lithospermum erythrorhizon is regarded as a model plant for studying secondary metabolism, as cells in culture yielded high concentrations of meroterpenes and phenylpropanoids. Analysis of the genome and transcriptomes of L. erythrorhizon showed expression of genes encoding 118 ABC proteins, similar to other plant species. The number of expressed proteins in the half-size ABCA and full-size ABCB subfamilies was ca. 50% lower in L. erythrorhizon than in Arabidopsis, whereas there was no significant difference in the numbers of other expressed ABC proteins. Because many ABCG proteins are involved in the export of organic substances, members of this subfamily may play important roles in the transport of secondary metabolites that are secreted into apoplasts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Li
- Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Uji 611-0011, Japan
| | - Hinako Matsuda
- Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Uji 611-0011, Japan
| | - Ai Tsuboyama
- Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Uji 611-0011, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Munakata
- Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Uji 611-0011, Japan
| | - Akifumi Sugiyama
- Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Uji 611-0011, Japan
| | - Kazufumi Yazaki
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel. +81 774 38 3617.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Suttiyut T, Auber RP, Ghaste M, Kane CN, McAdam SAM, Wisecaver JH, Widhalm JR. Integrative analysis of the shikonin metabolic network identifies new gene connections and reveals evolutionary insight into shikonin biosynthesis. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2022; 9:uhab087. [PMID: 35048120 PMCID: PMC8969065 DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhab087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Plant specialized 1,4-naphthoquinones present a remarkable case of convergent evolution. Species across multiple discrete orders of vascular plants produce diverse 1,4-naphthoquinones via one of several pathways using different metabolic precursors. Evolution of these pathways was preceded by events of metabolic innovation and many appear to share connections with biosynthesis of photosynthetic or respiratory quinones. Here, we sought to shed light on the metabolic connections linking shikonin biosynthesis with its precursor pathways and on the origins of shiknoin metabolic genes. Downregulation of Lithospermum erythrorhizon geranyl diphosphate synthase (LeGPPS), recently shown to have been recruited from a cytoplasmic farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS), resulted in reduced shikonin production and a decrease in expression of mevalonic acid and phenylpropanoid pathway genes. Next, we used LeGPPS and other known shikonin pathway genes to build a coexpression network model for identifying new gene connections to shikonin metabolism. Integrative in silico analyses of network genes revealed candidates for biochemical steps in the shikonin pathway arising from Boraginales-specific gene family expansion. Multiple genes in the shikonin coexpression network were also discovered to have originated from duplication of ubiquinone pathway genes. Taken together, our study provides evidence for transcriptional crosstalk between shikonin biosynthesis and its precursor pathways, identifies several shikonin pathway gene candidates and their evolutionary histories, and establishes additional evolutionary links between shikonin and ubiquinone metabolism. Moreover, we demonstrate that global coexpression analysis using limited transcriptomic data obtained from targeted experiments is effective for identifying gene connections within a defined metabolic network.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thiti Suttiyut
- Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, 47907, USA
- Purdue Center for Plant Biology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - Robert P Auber
- Purdue Center for Plant Biology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - Manoj Ghaste
- Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, 47907, USA
- Purdue Center for Plant Biology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - Cade N Kane
- Purdue Center for Plant Biology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - Scott A M McAdam
- Purdue Center for Plant Biology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - Jennifer H Wisecaver
- Purdue Center for Plant Biology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - Joshua R Widhalm
- Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, 47907, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| |
Collapse
|