Evolutionary and Mechanistic Insights from the Reconstruction of α-Humulene Synthases from a Modern (+)-Germacrene A Synthase

Catalytic Mechanism and Heterologous Biosynthesis Application of Sesquiterpene Synthases

Sesquiterpenes comprise a diverse group of natural products with a wide range of applications in cosmetics, food, medicine, agriculture, and biofuels. Heterologous biosynthesis is increasingly employed for sesquiterpene production, aiming to overcome the limitations associated with chemical synthesis and natural extraction. Sesquiterpene synthases (STSs) play a crucial role in the heterologous biosynthesis of sesquiterpene. Under the catalysis of STSs, over 300 skeletons are produced through various cyclization processes (C1-C10 closure, C1-C11 closure, C1-C6 closure, and C1-C7 closure), which are responsible for the diversity of sesquiterpenes. According to the cyclization types, we gave an overview of advances in understanding the mechanism of STSs cyclization from the aspects of protein crystal structures and site-directed mutagenesis. We also summarized the applications of engineering STSs in the heterologous biosynthesis of sesquiterpene. Finally, the bottlenecks and potential research directions related to the STSs cyclization mechanism and application of modified STSs were presented.

Characterization and Engineering of Two Highly Paralogous Sesquiterpene Synthases Reveal a Regioselective Reprotonation Switch

Sesquiterpene synthases (STPSs) catalyze carbocation-driven cyclization reactions that can generate structurally diverse hydrocarbons. The deprotonation-reprotonation process is widely used in STPSs to promote structural diversity, largely attributable to the distinct regio/stereoselective reprotonations. However, the molecular basis for reprotonation regioselectivity remains largely understudied. Herein, we analyzed two highly paralogous STPSs, Artabotrys hexapetalus (-)-cyperene synthase (AhCS) and ishwarane synthase (AhIS), which catalyze reactions that are distinct from the regioselective protonation of germacrene A (GA), resulting in distinct skeletons of 5/5/6 tricyclic (-)-cyperene and 6/6/5/3 tetracyclic ishwarane, respectively. Isotopic labeling experiments demonstrated that these protonations occur at C3 and C6 of GA in AhCS and AhIS, respectively. The cryo-electron microscopy-derived AhCS complex structure provided the structural basis for identifying different key active site residues that may govern their functional disparity. The structure-guided mutagenesis of these residues resulted in successful functional interconversion between AhCS and AhIS, thus targeting the three active site residues [L311-S419-C458]/[M311-V419-A458] that may act as a C3/C6 reprotonation switch for GA. These findings facilitate the rational design or directed evolution of STPSs with structurally diverse skeletons.

Cloning and functional characterization of three sesquiterpene synthase genes from Chamaecyparis formosensis Matsumura

Terpene synthase (TPS) analysis may contribute to a better understanding of terpenoids biosynthesis and the evolution of phylogenetic taxonomy. Chamaecyparis formosensis Matsumura is an endemic and valuable conifer of Taiwan. Its excellent wood quality, fragrance, and durability make it become the five precious conifers in Taiwan. In this study, three sesquiterpene synthase genes that belong to the TPS-d2 clade were isolated and characterized through in vitro reaction of recombinant protein and in vivo reaction of Escherichia coli heterologous expression system. The main product of Cf-GerA was germacrene A using GC/MS analysis, while the product of Cf-Aco and Cf-Gor were identified as acora-4(14),8-diene and (5R,6R,10S)-α-gorgonene by using NMR analysis. These are the first reported enzymes that biosynthesize acora-4(14),8-diene and (5 R,6 R,10 S)-α-gorgonene. Both sesquiterpene synthases may isomerize the farnesyl pyrophosphate substrate to nerolidyl pyrophosphate for further cyclization. Cf-Aco may catalyze 1,6-cyclization of nerolidyl cation while Cf-Gor may catalyze through an uncharged intermediate, isogermacrene A.

Sesquiterpene Synthases of Zanthoxylum ailanthoides: Sources of Unique Aromas of a Folklore Plant in Taiwan

Zanthoxylum ailanthoides is a traditional spice crop in Taiwan with unique smells and tastes that differ between prickly (young) and nonprickly (mature) leaves. Different volatile terpenes between prickly young and nonprickly mature leaves were identified and considered to be one of the sources of their aromas. A transcriptome database was established to explore the biosynthesis of these compounds, and candidate terpene synthase genes were identified. The functions of these synthases were investigated using recombinant protein reactions in both purification and coexpression assays. ZaTPS1, ZaTPS2, and ZaTPS3 are germacrene D synthases, with different amino acid sequences. The main products of ZaTPS4 are trans-α-bergamotene and (E)-β-farnesene, whereas ZaTPS5 forms multiple products, and ZaTPS6 produces β-caryophyllene. ZaTPS7 forms monoterpene (E)-β-ocimene and sesquiterpene (E,E)-α-farnesene. Reverse transcription PCR of ZaTPS gene expression in young and mature leaves revealed that ZaTPS1 was responsible for the mellow aroma in mature leaves. The expression of ZaTPS6 suggested that it plays a role in the background aromas of both types of leaves. Our findings deepened the understanding of the volatile compounds of Z. ailanthoides and revealed the source of its unique aromas by clarifying the biosynthesis of these compounds.

Dual role of a dedicated GAPDH in the biosynthesis of volatile and non-volatile metabolites- novel insights into the regulation of secondary metabolism in Trichoderma virens

Trichoderma virens produces viridin/viridiol, heptelidic (koningic) acid, several volatile sesquiterpenes and gliotoxin (Q strains) or gliovirin (P strains). We earlier reported that deletion of the terpene cyclase vir4 and a glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH, designated as vGPD) associated with the "vir" cluster abrogated the biosynthesis of several volatile sesquiterpene metabolites. Here we show that, the deletion of this GAPDH also impairs the biosynthesis of heptelidic acid (a non-volatile sesquiterpene), viridin (steroid) and gliovirin (non-ribosomal peptide), indicating regulation of non-volatile metabolite biosynthesis by this GAPDH that is associated with a secondary metabolism gene cluster. To gain further insights into the details of this novel form of regulation, we identified the terpene cyclase gene responsible for heptelidic acid biosynthesis (hereafter designated as has1) and prove that the expression of this gene is regulated by vGPD. Interestingly, deletion of has1 impaired biosynthesis of heptelidic acid (HA), viridin and gliovirin, but not of volatile sesquiterpenes. Deletion of the vir cluster associated terpene cyclase gene (vir4), located next to the vGPD gene, did not impair biosynthesis of HA, viridin or gliovirin. We thus unveil a novel circuitry of regulation of secondary metabolism where an HA-tolerant GAPDH isoform (vGPD) regulates HA biosynthesis through the transcriptional regulation of the HA-synthase gene (which is not part of the "vir" cluster). Interestingly, impairment of HA biosynthesis leads to the down-regulation of biosynthesis of other non-volatile secondary metabolites, but not of volatile secondary metabolites. We thus provide evidence that the "vir" cluster associated, HA-tolerant GAPDH in T. virens participates in the biosynthesis of volatile sesquiterpenes as a biosynthetic enzyme, and regulates the production of non-volatile metabolites via regulation of HA biosynthesis. The orthologue of the "vir" cluster in Aspergillus oryzae was earlier reported to synthesize HA by another group. Our study thus proves that the same gene cluster can code for unrelated metabolites in different species.

Humulane-type and germacrane-type sesquiterpenoids from the fruits of Xanthium spinosum Linn

Eight undescribed humulane-type sesquiterpenoids (xanthspinol A-E, I, J and N), three undescribed germacrane-type sesquiterpenoids (xanthspinol F, G and O) and twelve known compounds were isolated from the fruits of Xanthium spinosum. The structures of the undescribed compounds were elucidated by analyses of spectroscopic data, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations, dimolybdenum tetraacetate [Mo₂(OAc)₄]-induced circular dichroism (ICD) spectra, a CD exciton chirality method and the modified Mosher's method. Xanthspinol A and B featured a humulane skeleton containing a 2,5-dihydrofuran fragment. Putative biosynthetic pathways for the undescribed compounds are proposed. Xanthspinol N, 8-epi-isoxanthanol and deacetyl-4-epixanthanol showed moderate activity against Coxsackie virus B3 (CVB3) with IC₅₀ values of 8.70, 3.70 and 3.70 μM, respectively.

1,10/1,11-Cyclization catalyzed by diverged plant sesquiterpene synthases is dependent on a single residue

The exquisite chemodiversity of terpenoids is the product of the large diverse terpene synthase (TPS) superfamily. Here, by using structural and phylogenetic analyses and site-directed mutagenesis, we identified a residue (Cys440 in Nicotiana tabacum 5-epi-aristolochene synthase) proximal to an ion-binding motif common to all TPSs and named the preNSE/DTE residue, which determines the product specificity of sesquiterpene synthases from different plant species. In sesquiterpene synthases catalyzing 1,10-cyclization (1,10-cyclases) of farnesyl diphosphate, mutation of the residue in both specific and promiscuous 1,10-cyclases from different lineages leads to the accumulation of monocyclic germacrene A-11-ol, which is "short-circuited" from complex cyclization cascades, suggesting a key role of this residue in generating the first common intermediate of 1,10-cyclization. Altering this residue in a specific 1,11-cyclase results in alternative 1,10-cyclization products. Moreover, the preNSE/DTE residue can be harnessed to engineer highly specific sesquiterpene synthases for an improved proportion of high-value terpenoids, such as patchoulol, a main constituent of several traditional Chinese medicines that could treat SARS-CoV-2.

Redesigning the Molecular Choreography to Prevent Hydroxylation in Germacradien-11-ol Synthase Catalysis

Natural sesquiterpene synthases have evolved to make complex terpenoids by quenching reactive carbocations either by proton transfer or by hydroxylation (water capture), depending on their active site. Germacradien-11-ol synthase (Gd11olS) from Streptomyces coelicolor catalyzes the cyclization of farnesyl diphosphate (FDP) into the hydroxylated sesquiterpene germacradien-11-ol. Here, we combine experiment and simulation to guide the redesign of its active site pocket to avoid hydroxylation of the product. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate two regions between which water molecules can flow that are responsible for hydroxylation. Point mutations of selected residues result in variants that predominantly form a complex nonhydroxylated product, which we identify as isolepidozene. Our results indicate how these mutations subtly change the molecular choreography in the Gd11olS active site and thereby pave the way for the engineering of terpene synthases to make complex terpenoid products.

Immunomodulatory Constituents of Conocephalum conicum (Snake Liverwort) and the Relationship of Isolepidozenes to Germacranes and Humulanes

Structural elucidation of three new sesquiterpenoids, namely, (1Z,4E)-lepidoza-1(10),4-dien-14-ol (1), rel-(1(10)Z,4S,5E,7R)-germacra-1(10),6 diene-11,14-diol (2), and rel-(1(10)Z,4S,5E,7R)-humula-1(10),5-diene-7,14-diol (3), isolated from the liverwort Conocephalum conicum, was accomplished by a combination of extensive NMR experiments, ¹H NMR simulation, and other means. Additionally, the change of the identity of bicyclogermacren-14-al, previously reported as a C. conicum constituent, to isolepidozen-14-al is proposed. Compounds 2 and 3 appear to be related to 1 via hydration involving a shared intermediate, a substituted cyclopropylmethyl cation, formed by a highly regio- and stereoselective protonation of 1, followed by a stereospecific fission of the three-membered ring. In other words, an isolepidozene derivative might be a branchpoint to humulanes and germacranes; this transformation could be of, up to now, unknown, biosynthetic and/or synthetic relevance. Multivariate statistical analysis of the compositional data of C. conicum extract constituents was used to probe the hypothesized biochemical relations. The immunomodulatory effect of 1-3 and conocephalenol (4) was evaluated in an in vitro model on both nonstimulated and mitogen-stimulated rat splenocytes. The compounds displayed varying degrees of cytotoxicity to nonstimulated splenocytes, whereas 2 and 3 were found to exert immunosuppressive effects on concanavalin A-stimulated splenocytes while not being cytotoxic at the same concentrations.

Methyl-Shifted Farnesyldiphosphate Derivatives Are Substrates for Sesquiterpene Cyclases

New sesquiterpene backbones are accessible after biotransformation of presilphiperfolan-8β-ol synthase (BcBOT2), a fungal sesquiterpene synthase, with non-natural farnesyldiphosphates in which methyl groups are shifted by one position toward the diphosphate terminus. One of the macrocycles formed, a new germacrene A derivative, undergoes a Cope rearrangement to iso-β-elemene. Three of the new terpenoids show olfactoric properties that range from an intense peppery note to a citrus, ozone-like, and fruity scent.

Site-directed mutagenesis of β sesquiphellandrene synthase enhances enzyme promiscuity

The chemical formation of terpenes in nature is carried out by terpene synthases as the main biocatalysts to guide the carbocation intermediate to form structurally diverse compounds including acyclic, mono- and multiple cyclic products. Despite intensive study of the enzyme active site, the mechanism of specific terpene biosynthesis remains unclear. Here we demonstrate that a single mutation of the amino acid L454G or L454A in the active site of Persicaria minor β-sesquiphellandrene synthase leads to a more promiscuous enzyme that is capable of producing additional hydroxylated sesquiterpenes such as sesquicineole, sesquisabinene hydrate and α-bisabolol. Furthermore, the same L454 residue mutation (L454G or L454A) in the active site also improves the protein homogeneity compared to the wild type protein. Taken together, our results demonstrate that residue Leucine 454 in the active site of β-sesquiphellandrene synthase is important for sesquiterpene product diversity as well as the protein homogeneity in solution.

The Product Specificities of Maize Terpene Synthases TPS4 and TPS10 Are Determined both by Active Site Amino Acids and Residues Adjacent to the Active Site

Terpene synthases make up a large family of enzymes that convert prenyl diphosphates into an enormous variety of terpene skeletons. Due to their electrophilic reaction mechanism—which involves the formation of carbocations followed by hydride shifts and skeletal rearrangements—terpene synthases often produce complex mixtures of products. In the present study, we investigate amino acids that determine the product specificities of the maize terpene synthases TPS4 and TPS10. The enzymes showed 57% amino acid similarity and produced different mixtures of sesquiterpenes. Sequence comparisons and structure modeling revealed that out of the 43 amino acids forming the active site cavity, 17 differed between TPS4 and TPS10. While combined mutation of these 17 residues in TPS4 resulted in an enzyme with a product specificity similar to TPS10, the additional mutation of two amino acids next to the active site led to a nearly complete conversion of TPS4 into TPS10. These data demonstrate that the different product specificities of TPS4 and TPS10 are determined not only by amino acids forming the active site cavity, but also by neighboring residues that influence the conformation of active site amino acids.

Silent catalytic promiscuity in the high-fidelity terpene cyclase δ-cadinene synthase

Aza-analogues of carbocations inhibit δ-cadinene synthase: 1,6-cyclisation.

δ-Cadinene synthase (DCS) is a high-fidelity sesquiterpene synthase that generates δ-cadinene as the sole detectable organic product from its natural substrate (E,E)-FDP. Previous work with this enzyme using substrate analogues revealed the ability of DCS to catalyse both 1,10- and 1,6-cyclisations of substrate analogues. To test whether this apparent promiscuity was an artefact of alternate substrate use or an inherent property of the enzyme, aza analogues of the proposed α-bisabolyl cation intermediate were prepared since this cation would be formed after an initial 1,6-cyclisation of FDP. In the presence of 250 μM inorganic disphosphate both (R)- and (S)-aza-bisaboyl cations were potent competitive inhibitors of DCS (K_i = 2.5 ± 0.5 mM and 3.44 ± 1.43 μM, respectively). These compounds were also shown to be potent inhibitors of the 1,6-cyclase amorpha-4,11-diene synthase but not of the 1,10-cyclase aristolochene synthase from Penicillium roquefortii, demonstrating that the 1,6-cyclase activity of DCS is most likely an inherent property of the enzyme even when the natural substrate is used and not an artefact of the use of substrate analogues.

In planta and in silico characterization of five sesquiterpene synthases from Vitis vinifera (cv. Shiraz) berries

Five Vitis vinifera sesquiterpene synthases were characterized, two was previously uncharacterized, one being a caryophyllene/cubebene synthase and the other a cadinene synthase. Residue differences with other Vitis sesquiterpene synthases are described. The biochemical composition of grape berries at harvest can have a profound effect on the varietal character of the wine produced. Sesquiterpenes are an important class of volatile compounds produced in grapes that contribute to the flavor and aroma of wine, making the elucidation of their biosynthetic origin an important field of research. Five cDNAs corresponding to sesquiterpene synthase genes (TPSs) were isolated from Shiraz berries and expressed in planta in Nicotiana benthamiana followed by chemical characterization by GC-MS. Three of the TPS cDNAs were isolated from immature berries and two were isolated from ripe Shiraz berries. Two of the investigated enzymes, TPS26 and TPS27, have been previously investigated by expression in E. coli, and the in planta products generally correspond to these previous studies. The enzyme TPS07 differed by eight amino acids (none of which are in the active site) from germacrene B and D synthase isolated from Gewürztraminer grapes and characterized in vitro. Here in planta characterization of VvShirazTPS07 yielded ylangene, germacrene D and several minor products. Two of the enzymes isolated from immature berries were previously uncharacterized enzymes. VvShirazTPS-Y1 produced cadinene as a major product and at least 17 minor sesquiterpenoid skeletons. The second, VvShirazTPS-Y2, was characterized as a caryophyllene/cubebene synthase, a combination of products not previously reported from a single enzyme. Using in silico methods, we identified residues that could play key roles regarding differences in product formation of these enzymes. The first ring closure that is either a 1,10- or 1,11-ring closure is likely controlled by three neighboring amino acids in helices G1, H2, and J. As for many other investigated TPS enzymes, we also observe that only a few residues can account for radical changes in product formation.

Sesquiterpene Synthase-Catalysed Formation of a New Medium-Sized Cyclic Terpenoid Ether from Farnesyl Diphosphate Analogues

Terpene synthases catalyse the first step in the conversion of prenyl diphosphates to terpenoids. They act as templates for their substrates to generate a reactive conformation, from which a Mg2+ -dependent reaction creates a carbocation-PPi ion pair that undergoes a series of rearrangements and (de)protonations to give the final terpene product. This tight conformational control was exploited for the (R)-germacrene A synthase- and germacradien-4-ol synthase-catalysed formation of a medium-sized cyclic terpenoid ether from substrates containing nucleophilic functional groups. Farnesyl diphosphate analogues with a 10,11-epoxide or an allylic alcohol were efficiently converted to a 11-membered cyclic terpenoid ether that was characterised by HRMS and NMR spectroscopic analyses. Further experiments showed that other sesquiterpene synthases, including aristolochene synthase, δ-cadinene synthase and amorphadiene synthase, yielded this novel terpenoid from the same substrate analogues. This work illustrates the potential of terpene synthases for the efficient generation of structurally and functionally novel medium-sized terpene ethers.

Catalysis of amorpha-4,11-diene synthase unraveled and improved by mutability landscape guided engineering

Amorpha-4,11-diene synthase (ADS) cyclizes the substrate farnesyl pyrophosphate to produce amorpha-4,11-diene as a major product. This is considered the first committed and rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of the antimalarial artemisinin. Here, we utilize a reported 3D model of ADS to perform mutability landscape guided enzyme engineering. A mutant library of 258 variants along sixteen active site residues was created then screened for catalytic activity and product profile. This allowed for identification of the role of some of these residues in the mechanism. R262 constrains the released pyrophosphate group along with magnesium ions. The aromatic residues (W271, Y519 and F525) stabilize the intermediate carbocations while T296, G400, G439 and L515 help with the 1,6- and 1,10-ring closures. Finally, W271 is suggested to act as active site base along with T399, which ensures regioselective deprotonation. The mutability landscape also helped determine variants with improved catalytic activity. H448A showed ~4 fold increase in catalytic efficiency and the double mutation T399S/H448A improved k_cat by 5 times. This variant can be used to enhance amorphadiene production and in turn artemisinin biosynthesis. Our findings provide the basis for the first step in improving industrial production of artemisinin and they open up possibilities for further engineering and understanding of ADS.

Concise synthesis of artemisinin from a farnesyl diphosphate analogue

Artemisinin is one of the most potent anti-malaria drugs and many often-lengthy routes have been developed for its synthesis. Amorphadiene synthase, a key enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway of artemisinin, is able to convert an oxygenated farnesyl diphosphate analogue directly to dihydroartemisinic aldehyde, which can be converted to artemisinin in only four chemical steps, resulting in an efficient synthetic route to the anti-malaria drug.

Nucleophilic Water Capture or Proton Loss: Single Amino Acid Switch Converts δ-Cadinene Synthase into Germacradien-4-ol Synthase

δ-Cadinene synthase is a sesquiterpene cyclase that utilises the universal achiral precursor farnesyl diphosphate (FDP) to generate predominantly the bicyclic sesquiterpene δ-cadinene and about 2 % germacradien-4-ol, which is also generated from FDP by the cyclase germacradien-4-ol synthase. Herein, the mechanism by which sesquiterpene synthases discriminate between deprotonation and reaction with a nucleophilic water molecule was investigated by site-directed mutagenesis of δ-cadinene synthase. If W279 in δ-cadinene synthase was replaced with various smaller amino acids, the ratio of alcohol versus hydrocarbon product was directly proportional to the van der Waals volume of the amino acid side chain. DCS-W279A is a catalytically highly efficient germacradien-4-ol synthase (kcat /KM =1.4×10-3  μm s-1 ) that produces predominantly germacradien-4-ol in addition to 11 % δ-cadinene. Water capture is not achieved through strategic positioning of a water molecule in the active site, but through a coordinated series of loop movements that allow bulk water access to the final carbocation in the active site prior to product release.

Metabolomic and Proteomic Analysis of the Response of Angelica acutiloba after Herbivore Attack

To investigate the effect of insect damage on the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, we cultivated Angelica acutiloba with and without damage caused by the larvae of Papilio machaon. Compounds from the leaves and roots of A acutiloba were extracted with chloroform and analyzed by GC-MS. We annotated the peaks based on the mass spectral data and retention times. In addition, the effects of insect damage on the plants were investigated by principal component analysis (PCA). As a result, it was clarified that the amounts of ligustilide, γ-terpinene and β-caryophyllene, increased in leaves after being damaged by insects. Polyacetylenes also increased in the roots of damaged plants. In addition, as prompt responses, increases in the proteins relating to hydrogen peroxide synthesis and decreases in the proteins concerned with a non-urgent response to pathogenic attack were clarified by proteomic analysis. These results indicate that cultivation methods using the chemical-ecological response of the plant can contribute to the production of higher-quality crude drugs derived from A. acutiloba.

Importance of Inherent Substrate Reactivity in Enzyme-Promoted Carbocation Cyclization/Rearrangements

The importance of inherent substrate reactivity for terpene synthase enzymes is discussed, with a focus on recent experimental tests of predictions derived from computations on gas-phase reactivity of carbocations.

An Efficient Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Dihydroartemisinic Aldehyde

Artemisinin from the plant Artemisia annua is the most potent pharmaceutical for the treatment of malaria. In the plant, the sesquiterpene cyclase amorphadiene synthase, a cytochrome-dependent CYP450, and an aldehyde reductase convert farnesyl diphosphate (FDP) into dihydroartemisinic aldehyde (DHAAl), which is a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of artemisinin and a semisynthetic precursor for its chemical synthesis. Here, we report a chemoenzymatic process that is able to deliver DHAAl using only the sesquiterpene synthase from a carefully designed hydroxylated FDP derivative. This process, which reverses the natural order of cyclization of FDP and oxidation of the sesquiterpene hydrocarbon, provides a significant improvement in the synthesis of DHAAl and demonstrates the potential of substrate engineering in the terpene synthase mediated synthesis of high-value natural products.

The T296V Mutant of Amorpha-4,11-diene Synthase Is Defective in Allylic Diphosphate Isomerization but Retains the Ability To Cyclize the Intermediate (3R)-Nerolidyl Diphosphate to Amorpha-4,11-diene

The T296V mutant of amorpha-4,11-diene synthase catalyzes the abortive conversion of the natural substrate (E,E)-farnesyl diphosphate mainly into the acyclic product (E)-β-farnesene (88%) instead of the natural bicyclic sesquiterpene amorphadiene (7%). Incubation of the T296V mutant with (3R,6E)-nerolidyl diphosphate resulted in cyclization to amorphadiene. Analysis of additional mutants of amino acid residue 296 and in vitro assays with the intermediate analogue (2Z,6E)-farnesyl diphosphate as well as (3S,6E)-nerolidyl diphosphate demonstrated that the T296V mutant can no longer catalyze the allylic rearrangement of farnesyl diphosphate to the normal intermediate (3R,6E)-nerolidyl diphosphate, while retaining the ability to cyclize (3R,6E)-nerolidyl diphosphate to amorphadiene. The T296A mutant predominantly retained amorphadiene synthase activity, indicating that neither the hydroxyl nor the methyl group of the Thr296 side chain is required for cyclase activity.

Sesquiterpenoids Isolated from Two Species of the Asteriscus Alliance

Investigation of the aerial parts of two Spanish members of the Asteriscus alliance, Asteriscus graveolens subsp. stenophyllus and Asteriscus schultzii, afforded four new sesquiterpene lactones containing a humulene skeleton (1-4) and one new sesquiterpene lactone of the asteriscanolide type (5). Their chemical structures were determined on the basis of the HRMS and from 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic studies. Both species showed different profiles of sesquiterpenoid constituents. A. schultzii did not show humulene or asteriscane sesquiterpenes, suggesting a resemblance to the genus Pallenis, another member of the Asteriscus alliance. A literature review on chemical isolates from the Asteriscus alliance supported the placement of A. schultzii in the genus Pallenis. The isolated components (1-5) were assessed for cytotoxicity against the HL-60 and MOLT-3 leukemia cell lines, with compound 1 showing activity in both biological assays (IC50 value range 4.1-5.4 μM).

Accessing Nature's diversity through metabolic engineering and synthetic biology

In this perspective, we highlight recent examples and trends in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology that demonstrate the synthetic potential of enzyme and pathway engineering for natural product discovery. In doing so, we introduce natural paradigms of secondary metabolism whereby simple carbon substrates are combined into complex molecules through “scaffold diversification”, and subsequent “derivatization” of these scaffolds is used to synthesize distinct complex natural products. We provide examples in which modern pathway engineering efforts including combinatorial biosynthesis and biological retrosynthesis can be coupled to directed enzyme evolution and rational enzyme engineering to allow access to the “privileged” chemical space of natural products in industry-proven microbes. Finally, we forecast the potential to produce natural product-like discovery platforms in biological systems that are amenable to single-step discovery, validation, and synthesis for streamlined discovery and production of biologically active agents.

Enzymatic synthesis of natural (+)-aristolochene from a non-natural substrate

Aristolochene synthase from Penicillium roqueforti converts 7-methylene-FDP, a substrate the enzyme never encounters in nature, to the natural product (+)-aristolochene.

The amino-terminal segment in the β-domain of δ-cadinene synthase is essential for catalysis

The β-domain of δ-cadinene synthase (DCS) directs desolvation of the active site.

Moonlighting Metals: Insights into Regulation of Cyclization Pathways in Fungal Δ(6) -Protoilludene Sesquiterpene Synthases

Fungal 1,11 cyclizing sesquiterpene synthases are product specific under typical reaction conditions. However, in vivo expression of certain Δ(6)-protoilludene synthases results in dual 1,11 and 1,10 cyclization. To determine the factors regulating this mechanistic variation, in-depth in vitro characterization of Δ(6)-protoilludene synthases was conducted. Divalent metal ions determine cyclization specificity and this product variability. Promiscuity in metal binding is mediated by secondary metal-binding sites away from the conserved D(D/E)XX(D/E) motif in sesquiterpene synthases. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a divergent evolution of Basidiomycota trans-humulyl cation producing sesquiterpene synthases, results that indicate a wider diversity in function than previously predicted. This study provides key insights into the function and evolution of 1,11 cyclizing fungal sesquiterpene synthases.