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Sadre R. Plant synthetic biology for human health: advances in producing medicines in heterologous expression systems. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 87:103142. [PMID: 38735192 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Plant synthetic biology has the capability to provide solutions to global challenges in the production and supply of medicines. Recent advances in 'omics' technologies have accelerated gene discoveries in medicinal plant research so that even multistep biosynthetic pathways for bioactive plant natural products with high structural complexity can be reconstituted in heterologous plant expression systems more rapidly. This review provides an overview of concept and strategies used to produce high-value plant natural products in heterologous plant systems and highlights recent successes in engineering the biosynthesis of conventional and new medicines in alternative plant hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radin Sadre
- Pelotonia Research Center, Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, the Ohio State University, 2255 Kenny Rd, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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Dixon RA, Dickinson AJ. A century of studying plant secondary metabolism-From "what?" to "where, how, and why?". PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 195:48-66. [PMID: 38163637 PMCID: PMC11060662 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Over the past century, early advances in understanding the identity of the chemicals that collectively form a living plant have led scientists to deeper investigations exploring where these molecules localize, how they are made, and why they are synthesized in the first place. Many small molecules are specific to the plant kingdom and have been termed plant secondary metabolites, despite the fact that they can play primary and essential roles in plant structure, development, and response to the environment. The past 100 yr have witnessed elucidation of the structure, function, localization, and biosynthesis of selected plant secondary metabolites. Nevertheless, many mysteries remain about the vast diversity of chemicals produced by plants and their roles in plant biology. From early work characterizing unpurified plant extracts, to modern integration of 'omics technology to discover genes in metabolite biosynthesis and perception, research in plant (bio)chemistry has produced knowledge with substantial benefits for society, including human medicine and agricultural biotechnology. Here, we review the history of this work and offer suggestions for future areas of exploration. We also highlight some of the recently developed technologies that are leading to ongoing research advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Dixon
- BioDiscovery Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA
| | - Alexandra Jazz Dickinson
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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Kruse LH, Sunstrum FG, Garcia D, López Pérez G, Jancsik S, Bohlmann J, Irmisch S. Improved production of the antidiabetic metabolite montbretin A in Nicotiana benthamiana: discovery, characterization, and use of Crocosmia shikimate shunt genes. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 117:766-785. [PMID: 37960967 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16528] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The plant-specialized metabolite montbretin A (MbA) is being developed as a new treatment option for type-2 diabetes, which is among the ten leading causes of premature death and disability worldwide. MbA is a complex acylated flavonoid glycoside produced in small amounts in below-ground organs of the perennial plant Montbretia (Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora). The lack of a scalable production system limits the development and potential application of MbA as a pharmaceutical or nutraceutical. Previous efforts to reconstruct montbretin biosynthesis in Nicotiana benthamiana (Nb) resulted in low yields of MbA and higher levels of montbretin B (MbB) and montbretin C (MbC). MbA, MbB, and MbC are nearly identical metabolites differing only in their acyl moieties, derived from caffeoyl-CoA, coumaroyl-CoA, and feruloyl-CoA, respectively. In contrast to MbA, MbB and MbC are not pharmaceutically active. To utilize the montbretia caffeoyl-CoA biosynthesis for improved MbA engineering in Nb, we cloned and characterized enzymes of the shikimate shunt of the general phenylpropanoid pathway, specifically hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA: shikimate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (CcHCT), p-coumaroylshikimate 3'-hydroxylase (CcC3'H), and caffeoylshikimate esterase (CcCSE). Gene expression patterns suggest that CcCSE enables the predominant formation of MbA, relative to MbB and MbC, in montbretia. This observation is supported by results from in vitro characterization of CcCSE and reconstruction of the shikimate shunt in yeast. Using CcHCT together with montbretin biosynthetic genes in multigene constructs resulted in a 30-fold increase of MbA in Nb. This work advances our understanding of the phenylpropanoid pathway and features a critical step towards improved MbA production in bioengineered Nb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars H Kruse
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Frederick G Sunstrum
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Daniela Garcia
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Guillermo López Pérez
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Sharon Jancsik
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Joerg Bohlmann
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Forest and Conservation Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Sandra Irmisch
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Plant Sciences, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, 2333 BE, Netherlands
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Habib MA, Islam MM, Islam MM, Hasan MM, Baek KH. Current Status and De Novo Synthesis of Anti-Tumor Alkaloids in Nicotiana. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13050623. [PMID: 37233664 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13050623] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Alkaloids are the most diversified nitrogen-containing secondary metabolites, having antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and are extensively used in pharmaceuticals to treat different types of cancer. Nicotiana serves as a reservoir of anti-cancer alkaloids and is also used as a model plant for the de novo synthesis of various anti-cancer molecules through genetic engineering. Up to 4% of the total dry weight of Nicotiana was found to be composed of alkaloids, where nicotine, nornicotine, anatabine, and anabasine are reported as the dominant alkaloids. Additionally, among the alkaloids present in Nicotiana, β-carboline (Harmane and Norharmane) and Kynurenines are found to show anti-tumor effects, especially in the cases of colon and breast cancers. Creating new or shunting of existing biosynthesis pathways in different species of Nicotiana resulted in de novo or increased synthesis of different anti-tumor molecules or their derivatives or precursors including Taxadiane (~22.5 µg/g), Artemisinin (~120 μg/g), Parthenolide (~2.05 ng/g), Costunolide (~60 ng/g), Etoposide (~1 mg/g), Crocin (~400 µg/g), Catharanthine (~60 ng/g), Tabersonine (~10 ng/g), Strictosidine (~0.23 mg/g), etc. Enriching the precursor pool, especially Dimethylallyl Diphosphate (DMAPP), down-regulating other bi-product pathways, compartmentalization or metabolic shunting, or organelle-specific reconstitution of the precursor pool, might trigger the enhanced accumulation of the targeted anti-cancer alkaloid in Nicotiana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Ahsan Habib
- Department of Plant Pathology, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh
| | - Md Mobinul Islam
- Department of Plant Pathology, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh
| | - Md Mukul Islam
- Department of Plant Pathology, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh
| | - Md Mohidul Hasan
- Department of Plant Pathology, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh
| | - Kwang-Hyun Baek
- Department of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
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Yin X, Liu J, Kou C, Lu J, Zhang H, Song W, Li Y, Xue Z, Hua X. Deciphering the network of cholesterol biosynthesis in Paris polyphylla laid a base for efficient diosgenin production in plant chassis. Metab Eng 2023; 76:232-246. [PMID: 36849090 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2023.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Cholesterol serves as a key precursor for many high-value chemicals such as plant-derived steroidal saponins and steroidal alkaloids, but a plant chassis for effective biosynthesis of high levels of cholesterol has not been established. Plant chassis have significant advantages over microbial chassis in terms of membrane protein expression, precursor supply, product tolerance, and regionalization synthesis. Here, using Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transient expression technology, Nicotiana benthamiana, and a step-by-step screening approach, we identified nine enzymes (SSR1-3, SMO1-3, CPI-5, CYP51G, SMO2-2, C14-R-2, 8,7SI-4, C5-SD1, and 7-DR1-1) from the medicinal plant Paris polyphylla and established detailed biosynthetic routes from cycloartenol to cholesterol. Specfically, we optimized HMGR, a key gene of the mevalonate pathway, and co-expressed it with the PpOSC1 gene to achieve a high level of cycloartenol (28.79 mg/g dry weight, which is a sufficient amount of precursor for cholesterol biosynthesis) synthesis in the leaves of N. benthamiana. Subsequently, using a one-by-one elimination method we found that six of these enzymes (SSR1-3, SMO1-3, CPI-5, CYP51G, SMO2-2, and C5-SD1) were crucial for cholesterol production in N. benthamiana, and we establihed a high-efficiency cholesterol synthesis system with a yield of 5.63 mg/g dry weight. Using this strategy, we also discovered the biosynthetic metabolic network responsible for the synthesis of a common aglycon of steroidal saponin, diosgenin, using cholesterol as a substrate, obtaining a yield of 2.12 mg/g dry weight in N. benthamiana. Our study provides an effective strategy to characterize the metabolic pathways of medicinal plants that lack a system for in vivo functional verification, and also lays a foundation for the synthesis of active steroid saponins in plant chassis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Yin
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Chengxi Kou
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Jiaojiao Lu
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - He Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Wei Song
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Plant Bioactive Substance Biosynthesis and Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China.
| | - Yuhua Li
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Plant Bioactive Substance Biosynthesis and Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China.
| | - Zheyong Xue
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Plant Bioactive Substance Biosynthesis and Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China.
| | - Xin Hua
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Plant Bioactive Substance Biosynthesis and Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China.
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