1
|
Liyanage NS, Awwad F, Gonçalves Dos Santos KC, Jayawardena TU, Mérindol N, Desgagné-Penix I. Navigating Amaryllidaceae alkaloids: bridging gaps and charting biosynthetic territories. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2025; 76:16-34. [PMID: 38652148 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erae187] [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: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Amaryllidaceae alkaloid (AA) biosynthesis has garnered significant attention in recent years, particularly with the commercialization of galanthamine as a treatment for the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. A significant amount of research work over the last eight decades has focused on the understanding of AA biosynthesis, starting from early radiolabelling studies to recent multi-omics analysis with modern biotechnological advancements. Those studies enabled the identification of hundreds of metabolites, the characterization of biochemical pathways, and an understanding of the environmental stimuli and of the molecular regulation of these pharmaceutically and agriculturally important metabolites. Despite numerous studies, there remain significant gaps in understanding the biosynthesis of AAs in Amaryllidaceae plants. As such, further research is needed to fully elucidate the metabolic pathways and facilitate their production. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the current state of knowledge on AA biosynthesis, from elicitation of expression of transcription factors in the cell nucleus to alkaloid transport in the apoplast, and to highlight the challenges that need to be overcome for further advancement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nuwan Sameera Liyanage
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Fatima Awwad
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | | | - Thilina U Jayawardena
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Natacha Mérindol
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Isabel Desgagné-Penix
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
- Plant Biology Research Group, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Srivastava P, Ghosh S. Insights into functional divergence, catalytic versatility and specificity of small molecule glycosyltransferases. Int J Biol Macromol 2024:138821. [PMID: 39708858 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.138821] [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: 09/30/2024] [Revised: 12/12/2024] [Accepted: 12/14/2024] [Indexed: 12/23/2024]
Abstract
Glycosylation is one of the most fundamental biochemical processes in cells. It plays crucial roles in diversifying plant natural products for structures, bioavailability and bioactivity, and thus, renders the glycosylated compounds valuable as food additives, nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. Moreover, glycosylated compounds impact plant growth, development and stress response. Therefore, understanding the biochemical function of the glycosyltransferases (GTs) is crucial to the elucidation of natural product biosynthetic pathways, improving plant traits and development of processes for industrially-important compounds. UDP-dependent glycosyltransferases (UGTs) that belong to the glycosyltransferase family-1 (GT1) and catalyze the transfer of glycosyl moieties from UDP-sugars to various small molecules, are the key players in natural product glycosylation. Recent studies also found the involvement of non-canonical cellulose synthase-like (CesAs) and glycosyl hydrolase (GH) family enzymes in the glycosylation of plant specialized metabolites. Decades of research on GTs provided critical insights into catalytic mechanism, substrate/product specificity and catalytic promiscuity, but biochemical function and physiological roles of GTs in majority of the natural product biosynthetic pathways remain to be understood. It is also important to redefine high-throughput strategies of GT mining to uncover novel biochemical function, considering that GTs are the large superfamily members in plants and other organisms. This review underscores the roles of GTs in small molecule glycosylation, plant development and stress responses, highlighting the catalytic versatility and substrate/product specificity of GTs in shaping plant metabolic diversity, and discusses the emerging strategies for mining of uncharacterized GTs to unravel biochemical and physiological functions and to elucidate natural product biosynthetic pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Payal Srivastava
- CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow 226015, Uttar Pradesh, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India; Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, 612 Wilson Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA(1)
| | - Sumit Ghosh
- CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow 226015, Uttar Pradesh, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jia X, Luo S, Ye X, Liu L, Wen W. Evolution of the biochemistry underpinning purine alkaloid metabolism in plants. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230366. [PMID: 39343019 PMCID: PMC11449220 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Purine alkaloids are naturally occurring nitrogenous methylated derivatives of purine nucleotide degradation products, having essential roles in medicine, food and various other aspects of our daily lives. They are generated through convergent evolution in different plant species. The pivotal reaction steps within the purine alkaloid metabolic pathways have been largely elucidated, and the convergent evolution of purine alkaloids has been substantiated through bioinformatic, biochemical and other research perspectives within S-adenosyl-ʟ-methionine-dependent N-methyltransferases. Currently, the biological and ecological roles of purine alkaloids, further refinement of the purine alkaloid metabolic pathways and the investigation of purine alkaloid adaptive evolutionary mechanisms continue to attract widespread research interest. The exploration of the purine alkaloid metabolic pathways also enhances our comprehension of the biochemical mechanism, providing insights into inter-species interactions and adaptive evolution and offering potential value in drug development and agricultural applications. Here, we review the progress of research in the distribution, metabolic pathway elucidation and regulation, evolutionary mechanism and ecological roles of purine alkaloids in plants. The opportunities and challenges involved in elucidating the biochemical basis and evolutionary mechanisms of the purine alkaloid metabolic pathways, as well as other research aspects, are also discussed. This article is part of the theme issue 'The evolution of plant meta-bolism'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Jia
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Shijie Luo
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiali Ye
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Liu
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiwei Wen
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Conneely LJ, Hurgobin B, Ng S, Tamiru-Oli M, Lewsey MG. Characterization of the Cannabis sativa glandular trichome epigenome. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 24:1075. [PMID: 39538149 PMCID: PMC11562870 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05787-x] [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: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 11/05/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between epigenomics and plant specialised metabolism remains largely unexplored despite the fundamental importance of epigenomics in gene regulation and, potentially, yield of products of plant specialised metabolic pathways. The glandular trichomes of Cannabis sativa are an emerging model system that produce large quantities of cannabinoid and terpenoid specialised metabolites with known medicinal and commercial value. To address this lack of epigenomic data, we mapped H3K4 trimethylation, H3K56 acetylation, H3K27 trimethylation post-translational modifications and the histone variant H2A.Z, using chromatin immunoprecipitation, in C. sativa glandular trichomes, leaf, and stem tissues. Corresponding transcriptomic (RNA-seq) datasets were integrated, and tissue-specific analyses conducted to relate chromatin states to glandular trichome specific gene expression. RESULTS The promoters of cannabinoid and terpenoid biosynthetic genes, specialised metabolite transporter genes, defence related genes, and starch and sucrose metabolism were enriched specifically in trichomes for histone marks H3K4me3 and H3K56ac, consistent with active transcription. We identified putative trichome-specific enhancer elements by identifying intergenic regions of H3K56ac enrichment, a histone mark that maintains enhancer accessibility, then associated these to putative target genes using the tissue specific gene transcriptomic data. Bi-valent chromatin loci specific to glandular trichomes, marked with H3K4 trimethylation and H3K27 trimethylation, were associated with genes of MAPK signalling pathways and plant specialised metabolism pathways, supporting recent hypotheses that implicate bi-valent chromatin in plant defence. The histone variant H2A.Z was largely found in intergenic regions and enriched in chromatin that contained genes involved in DNA homeostasis. CONCLUSION We report the first genome-wide histone post-translational modification maps for C. sativa glandular trichomes, and more broadly for glandular trichomes in plants. Our findings have implications in plant adaptation and stress responses and provide a basis for enhancer-mediated, targeted, gene transformation studies in plant glandular trichomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lee J Conneely
- La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food, La Trobe University, AgriBio Building, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
- Australian Research Council Research Hub for Medicinal Agriculture, La Trobe University, AgriBio Building, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Bhavna Hurgobin
- La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food, La Trobe University, AgriBio Building, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
- Australian Research Council Research Hub for Medicinal Agriculture, La Trobe University, AgriBio Building, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Sophia Ng
- La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food, La Trobe University, AgriBio Building, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
- Australian Research Council Research Hub for Medicinal Agriculture, La Trobe University, AgriBio Building, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Muluneh Tamiru-Oli
- La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food, La Trobe University, AgriBio Building, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
- Australian Research Council Research Hub for Medicinal Agriculture, La Trobe University, AgriBio Building, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Mathew G Lewsey
- La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food, La Trobe University, AgriBio Building, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia.
- Australian Research Council Research Hub for Medicinal Agriculture, La Trobe University, AgriBio Building, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia.
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Carr SC, Rehman F, Hagel JM, Chen X, Ng KKS, Facchini PJ. Two ubiquitous aldo-keto reductases in the genus Papaver support a patchwork model for morphine pathway evolution. Commun Biol 2024; 7:1410. [PMID: 39472466 PMCID: PMC11522673 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-07100-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 10/18/2024] [Indexed: 11/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The evolution of morphinan alkaloid biosynthesis in plants of the genus Papaver includes permutation of several processes including gene duplication, fusion, neofunctionalization, and deletion resulting in the present chemotaxonomy. A critical gene fusion event resulting in the key bifunctional enzyme reticuline epimerase (REPI), which catalyzes the stereochemical inversion of (S)-reticuline, was suggested to precede neofunctionalization of downstream enzymes leading to morphine biosynthesis in opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). The ancestrally related aldo-keto reductases 1,2-dehydroreticuline reductase (DRR), which occurs in some species as a component of REPI, and codeinone reductase (COR) catalyze the second and penultimate steps, respectively, in the pathway converting (S)-reticuline to morphine. Orthologs for each enzyme isolated from the transcriptomes of 12 Papaver species were shown to catalyze their respective reactions in species that capture states of the metabolic pathway prior to key evolutionary events, including the gene fusion event leading to REPI, thus suggesting a patchwork model for pathway evolution. Analysis of the structure and substrate preferences of DRR orthologs in comparison with COR orthologs revealed structure-function relationships underpinning the functional latency of DRR and COR orthologs in the genus Papaver, thus providing insights into the molecular events leading to the evolution of the pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel C Carr
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Natural Product Biosynthesis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Fasih Rehman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jillian M Hagel
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Enveric Biosciences Inc., Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Xue Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Kenneth K S Ng
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
| | - Peter J Facchini
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cawood GL, Ton J. Decoding resilience: ecology, regulation, and evolution of biosynthetic gene clusters. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024:S1360-1385(24)00241-3. [PMID: 39393973 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2024.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 10/13/2024]
Abstract
Secondary metabolism is crucial for plant survival and can generate chemistry with nutritional, therapeutic, and industrial value. Biosynthetic genes of selected secondary metabolites cluster within localised chromosomal regions. The arrangement of these biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) challenges the long-held model of random gene order in eukaryotes, raising questions about their regulation, ecological significance, and evolution. In this review, we address these questions by exploring the contribution of BGCs to ecologically relevant plant-biotic interactions, while also evaluating the molecular-(epi)genetic mechanisms controlling their coordinated stress- and tissue-specific expression. Based on evidence that BGCs have distinct chromatin signatures and are enriched with transposable elements (TEs), we integrate emerging hypotheses into an updated evolutionary model emphasising how stress-induced epigenetic processes have shaped BGC formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George Lister Cawood
- Plants, Photosynthesis and Soil, School of Biosciences, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK.
| | - Jurriaan Ton
- Plants, Photosynthesis and Soil, School of Biosciences, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Qiu S, Wang J, Pei T, Gao R, Xiang C, Chen J, Zhang C, Xiao Y, Li Q, Wu Z, He M, Wang R, Zhao Q, Xu Z, Hu J, Chen W. Functional evolution and diversification of CYP82D subfamily members have shaped flavonoid diversification in the genus Scutellaria. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2024:101134. [PMID: 39277789 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2024.101134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024]
Abstract
Flavonoids, the largest class of polyphenols, exhibit substantial structural and functional diversity, yet their evolutionary diversification and specialized functions remain largely unexplored. The genus Scutellaria is notable for its rich flavonoid diversity, particularly of 6/8-hydroxylated variants biosynthesized by the cytochrome P450 subfamily CYP82D. Our study analyzes metabolic differences between Scutellaria baicalensis and Scutellaria barbata, and the results suggest that CYP82Ds have acquired a broad range of catalytic functions over their evolution. By integrating analyses of metabolic networks and gene evolution across 22 Scutellaria species, we rapidly identified 261 flavonoids and delineated five clades of CYP82Ds associated with various catalytic functions. This approach revealed a unique catalytic mode for 6/8-hydroxylation of flavanone substrates and the first instance of 7-O-demethylation of flavonoid substrates catalyzed by a cytochrome P450. Ancestral sequence reconstruction and functional validation demonstrated that gradual neofunctionalization of CYP82Ds has driven the chemical diversity of flavonoids in the genus Scutellaria throughout its evolutionary history. These findings enhance our understanding of flavonoid diversity, reveal the intricate roles of CYP82Ds in Scutellaria species, and highlight the extensive catalytic versatility of cytochrome P450 members within plant taxa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shi Qiu
- The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources & Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Jing Wang
- The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources & Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Tianlin Pei
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Resources, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences Chenshan Science Research Center, Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, Shanghai 201602, China
| | - Ranran Gao
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Chunlei Xiang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Junfeng Chen
- The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources & Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources & Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ying Xiao
- The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources & Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Second Affiliated Hospital of Navy Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Ziding Wu
- The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources & Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Min He
- The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources & Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Rong Wang
- The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources & Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qing Zhao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Resources, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences Chenshan Science Research Center, Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, Shanghai 201602, China.
| | - Zhichao Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China.
| | - Jiadong Hu
- The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources & Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Department of Pharmacy, Second Affiliated Hospital of Navy Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China.
| | - Wansheng Chen
- The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources & Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Department of Pharmacy, Second Affiliated Hospital of Navy Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wu S, Morotti ALM, Yang J, Wang E, Tatsis EC. Single-cell RNA sequencing facilitates the elucidation of the complete biosynthesis of the antidepressant hyperforin in St. John's wort. MOLECULAR PLANT 2024; 17:1439-1457. [PMID: 39135343 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2024.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Hyperforin is the compound responsible for the effectiveness of St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) as an antidepressant, but its complete biosynthetic pathway remains unknown. Gene discovery based on co-expression analysis of bulk RNA-sequencing data or genome mining failed to discover the missing steps in hyperforin biosynthesis. In this study, we sequenced the 1.54-Gb tetraploid H. perforatum genome assembled into 32 chromosomes with the scaffold N50 value of 42.44 Mb. By single-cell RNA sequencing, we identified a type of cell, "Hyper cells", wherein hyperforin biosynthesis de novo takes place in both the leaves and flowers. Through pathway reconstitution in yeast and tobacco, we identified and characterized four transmembrane prenyltransferases (HpPT1-4) that are localized at the plastid envelope and complete the hyperforin biosynthetic pathway. The hyperforin polycyclic scaffold is created by a reaction cascade involving an irregular isoprenoid coupling and a tandem cyclization. Our findings reveal how and where hyperforin is biosynthesized, enabling synthetic-biology reconstitution of the complete pathway. Thus, this study not only deepens our comprehension of specialized metabolism at the cellular level but also provides strategic guidance for elucidation of the biosynthetic pathways of other specializied metabolites in plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Song Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ana Luisa Malaco Morotti
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jun Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ertao Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Evangelos C Tatsis
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; CEPAMS - CAS-JIC Centre of Excellence for Plant and Microbial Science, Shanghai 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Courdavault V, Papon N. Plant drugs: Transcending the mescaline biosynthesis. Curr Biol 2024; 34:R791-R793. [PMID: 39163844 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.06.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
Our knowledge of the biosynthesis of medicinal compounds from plants remains limited. A new study has deciphered the complete metabolic pathway leading to the biosynthesis of the psychedelic mescaline in the cactus peyote, suggesting the development of biotechnological strategies for a sustainable supply of this important plant drug.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Courdavault
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, BBV, EA2106, Université de Tours, Tours, France.
| | - Nicolas Papon
- Université Angers, Université Brest, IRF, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hu R, Teng X, Li Y. Unleashing plant synthetic capacity: navigating regulatory mechanisms for enhanced bioproduction and secondary metabolite discovery. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 88:103148. [PMID: 38843577 PMCID: PMC11531776 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/11/2024]
Abstract
Plant natural products (PNPs) hold significant pharmaceutical importance. The sessile nature of plants has led to the evolution of chemical defense mechanisms over millions of years to combat environmental challenges, making it a crucial and essential defense weapon. Despite their importance, the abundance of these bioactive molecules in plants is typically low, and conventional methods are time-consuming for enhancing production. Moreover, there is a pressing need for novel drug leads, exemplified by the shortage of antibiotics and anticancer drugs. Understanding how plants respond to stress and regulate metabolism to produce these molecules presents an opportunity to explore new avenues for discovering compounds that are typically under the detection limit or not naturally produced. Additionally, this knowledge can contribute to the advancement of plant engineering, enabling the development of new chassis for the biomanufacturing of these valuable molecules. In this perspective, we explore the intricate regulation of PNP biosynthesis in plants, and discuss the biotechnology strategies that have been and can be utilized for the discovery and production enhancement of PNPs in plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rongbin Hu
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
| | - Xiaoxuan Teng
- Program of Chemical Engineering, Department of Nanongineering, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Yanran Li
- Aiiso Yufeng Li Family Department of Chemical and Nano Engineering, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Mathieu L, Ballini E, Morel JB, Méteignier LV. The root of plant-plant interactions: Belowground special cocktails. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 80:102547. [PMID: 38749206 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2024.102547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Plants interact with each other via a multitude of processes among which belowground communication facilitated by specialized metabolites plays an important but overlooked role. Until now, the exact targets, modes of action, and resulting phenotypes that these metabolites induce in neighboring plants have remained largely unknown. Moreover, positive interactions driven by the release of root exudates are prevalent in both natural field conditions and controlled laboratory environments. In particular, intraspecific positive interactions suggest a genotypic recognition mechanism in addition to non-self perception in plant roots. This review concentrates on recent discoveries regarding how plants interact with one another through belowground signals in intra- and interspecific mixtures. Furthermore, we elaborate on how an enhanced understanding of these interactions can propel the field of agroecology forward.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Mathieu
- PHIM Plant Health Institute, Univ Montpellier, INRAE, CIRAD, Institut Agro, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Elsa Ballini
- PHIM Plant Health Institute, Univ Montpellier, INRAE, CIRAD, Institut Agro, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Benoit Morel
- PHIM Plant Health Institute, Univ Montpellier, INRAE, CIRAD, Institut Agro, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Louis-Valentin Méteignier
- PHIM Plant Health Institute, Univ Montpellier, INRAE, CIRAD, Institut Agro, IRD, Montpellier, France.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Yu H, Li Y, Han W, Bao L, Liu F, Ma Y, Pu Z, Zeng Q, Zhang L, Bao Z, Wang S. Pan-evolutionary and regulatory genome architecture delineated by an integrated macro- and microsynteny approach. Nat Protoc 2024; 19:1623-1678. [PMID: 38514839 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-024-00966-4] [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: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
The forthcoming massive genome data generated by the Earth BioGenome Project will open up a new era of comparative genomics, for which genome synteny analysis provides an important framework. Profiling genome synteny represents an essential step in elucidating genome architecture, regulatory blocks/elements and their evolutionary history. Here we describe PanSyn, ( https://github.com/yhw320/PanSyn ), the most comprehensive and up-to-date genome synteny pipeline, providing step-by-step instructions and application examples to demonstrate its usage. PanSyn inherits both basic and advanced functions from existing popular tools, offering a user-friendly, highly customized approach for genome macrosynteny analysis and integrated pan-evolutionary and regulatory analysis of genome architecture, which are not yet available in public synteny software or tools. The advantages of PanSyn include: (i) advanced microsynteny analysis by functional profiling of microsynteny genes and associated regulatory elements; (ii) comprehensive macrosynteny analysis, including the inference of karyotype evolution from ancestors to extant species; and (iii) functional integration of microsynteny and macrosynteny for pan-evolutionary profiling of genome architecture and regulatory blocks, as well as integration with external functional genomics datasets from three- or four-dimensional genome and ENCODE projects. PanSyn requires basic knowledge of the Linux environment and Perl programming language and the ability to access a computer cluster, especially for large-scale genomic comparisons. Our protocol can be easily implemented by a competent graduate student or postdoc and takes several days to weeks to execute for dozens to hundreds of genomes. PanSyn provides yet the most comprehensive and powerful tool for integrated evolutionary and functional genomics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Yu
- Fang Zongxi Center for Marine Evo-Devo & MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuli Li
- Fang Zongxi Center for Marine Evo-Devo & MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, China.
| | - Wentao Han
- Fang Zongxi Center for Marine Evo-Devo & MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Lisui Bao
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Fuyun Liu
- Fang Zongxi Center for Marine Evo-Devo & MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuanting Ma
- Fang Zongxi Center for Marine Evo-Devo & MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhongqi Pu
- Fang Zongxi Center for Marine Evo-Devo & MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Qifan Zeng
- Fang Zongxi Center for Marine Evo-Devo & MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Lingling Zhang
- Fang Zongxi Center for Marine Evo-Devo & MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhenmin Bao
- Fang Zongxi Center for Marine Evo-Devo & MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Sanya, China
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, China
| | - Shi Wang
- Fang Zongxi Center for Marine Evo-Devo & MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, China.
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Sanya, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ma Z, Chen Y, Wang R, Zhu M. Synthesis of polymerizable betulin maleic diester derivative for dental restorative resins with antibacterial activity. Dent Mater 2024; 40:941-950. [PMID: 38719709 DOI: 10.1016/j.dental.2024.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Bisphenol A glycidyl methacrylate (Bis-GMA) is of great importance for dental materials as the preferred monomer. However, the presence of bisphenol-A (BPA) core in Bis-GMA structure causes potential concerns since it is associated with endocrine diseases, developmental abnormalities, and cancer lesions. Therefore, it is desirable to develop an alternative replacement for Bis-GMA and explore the intrinsic relationship between monomer structure and resin properties. METHODS Here, the betulin maleic diester derivative (MABet) was synthesized by a facile esterification reaction using plant-derived betulin and maleic anhydride as raw materials. Its chemical structure was confirmed by 1H and 13C NMR spectra, FT-IR spectra, and HR-MS, respectively. The as-synthesized MABet was then used as polymerizable comonomer to partially or completely substitute Bis-GMA in a 50:50 Bis-GMA: TEGDMA resin (5B5T) to formulate dental restorative resins. These were then determined for the viscosity behavior, light transmittance, real-time degree of conversion, residual monomers, mechanical performance, cytotoxicity, and antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) in detail. RESULTS Among all experimental resins, increasing the MABet concentration to 50 wt% made the resultant 5MABet5T resin have a maximum in viscosity and appear dark yellowish after polymerization. In contrast, the 1MABet4B5T resin with 10 wt% MABet possessed comparable shear viscosity and polymerization conversion (46.6 ± 1.0% in 60 s), higher flexural and compressive strength (89.7 ± 7.8 MPa; 345.5 ± 14.4 MPa) to those of the 5B5T control (48.5 ± 0.6%; 65.7 ± 6.7 MPa; 223.8 ± 57.1 MPa). This optimal resin also had significantly lower S. mutans colony counts (0.35 ×108 CFU/mL) than 5B5T (7.6 ×108 CFU/mL) without affecting cytocompatibility. SIGNIFICANCE Introducing plant-derived polymerizable MABet monomer into dental restorative resins is an effective strategy for producing antibacterial dental materials with superior physicochemical property.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Yifan Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Ruili Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China.
| | - Meifang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cuello C, Jansen HJ, Abdallah C, Zamar Mbadinga DL, Birer Williams C, Durand M, Oudin A, Papon N, Giglioli-Guivarc'h N, Dirks RP, Jensen MK, O'Connor SE, Besseau S, Courdavault V. The Madagascar palm genome provides new insights on the evolution of Apocynaceae specialized metabolism. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28078. [PMID: 38533072 PMCID: PMC10963385 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Specialized metabolites possess diverse interesting biological activities and some cardenolides- and monoterpene indole alkaloids- (MIAs) derived pharmaceuticals are currently used to treat human diseases such as cancers or hypertension. While these two families of biocompounds are produced by specific subfamilies of Apocynaceae, one member of this medicinal plant family, the succulent tree Pachypodium lamerei Drake (also known as Madagascar palm), does not produce such specialized metabolites. To explore the evolutionary paths that have led to the emergence and loss of cardenolide and MIA biosynthesis in Apocynaceae, we sequenced and assembled the P. lamerei genome by combining Oxford Nanopore Technologies long-reads and Illumina short-reads. Phylogenomics revealed that, among the Apocynaceae whose genomes have been sequenced, the Madagascar palm is so far the species closest to the common ancestor between MIA producers/non-MIA producers. Transposable elements, constituting 72.48% of the genome, emerge as potential key players in shaping genomic architecture and influencing specialized metabolic pathways. The absence of crucial MIA biosynthetic genes such as strictosidine synthase in P. lamerei and non-Rauvolfioideae species hints at a transposon-mediated mechanism behind gene loss. Phylogenetic analysis not only showcases the evolutionary divergence of specialized metabolite biosynthesis within Apocynaceae but also underscores the role of transposable elements in this intricate process. Moreover, we shed light on the low conservation of enzymes involved in the final stages of MIA biosynthesis in the distinct MIA-producing plant families, inferring independent gains of these specialized enzymes along the evolution of these medicinal plant clades. Overall, this study marks a leap forward in understanding the genomic dynamics underpinning the evolution of specialized metabolites biosynthesis in the Apocynaceae family, with transposons emerging as potential architects of genomics restructuring and gene loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clément Cuello
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200, Tours, France
| | - Hans J. Jansen
- Future Genomics Technologies, 2333 BE, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Cécile Abdallah
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200, Tours, France
| | | | - Caroline Birer Williams
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200, Tours, France
| | - Mickael Durand
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200, Tours, France
| | - Audrey Oudin
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200, Tours, France
| | - Nicolas Papon
- Univ Angers, Univ Brest, IRF, SFR ICAT, F-49000, Angers, France
| | | | - Ron P. Dirks
- Future Genomics Technologies, 2333 BE, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Michael Krogh Jensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sarah Ellen O'Connor
- Department of Natural Product Biosynthesis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, 07745, Germany
| | - Sébastien Besseau
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200, Tours, France
| | - Vincent Courdavault
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, EA2106, Université de Tours, 37200, Tours, France
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kliebenstein DJ. Specificity and breadth of plant specialized metabolite-microbe interactions. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 77:102459. [PMID: 37743122 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2023.102459] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Plant specialized metabolites shape plant interactions with the environment including plant-microbe interactions. While we often group compounds into generic classes, it is the precise structure of a compound that creates a specific role in plant-microbe or-pathogen interactions. Critically, the structure guides definitive targets in individual interactions, yet single compounds are not limited to singular mechanistic targets allowing them to influence interactions across broad ranges of attackers, from bacteria to fungi to animals. Further, the direction of the effect can be altered by counter evolution within the interacting organism leading to single compounds being both beneficial and detrimental. Thus, the benefit of a single compound to a host needs to be assessed by measuring the net benefit across all interactions while in each specific interaction. Factoring this complexity for single compounds in plant-microbe interactions with the massive expansion in our identification of specialized metabolite pathways means that we need systematic studies to classify the full breadth of activities. Only with this full biological knowledge we can develop mechanistic, ecological, and evolutionary models to understand how plant specialized metabolites fully influence plant-microbe and plant-biotic interactions more broadly.
Collapse
|
16
|
Jia C, Lai Q, Zhu Y, Feng J, Dan X, Zhang Y, Long Z, Wu J, Wang Z, Qumu X, Wang R, Wang J. Intergrative metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses reveal the potential regulatory mechanism of unique dihydroxy fatty acid biosynthesis in the seeds of an industrial oilseed crop Orychophragmus violaceus. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:29. [PMID: 38172664 PMCID: PMC10765717 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09906-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Orychophragmus violaceus is a potentially important industrial oilseed crop due to the two 24-carbon dihydroxy fatty acids (diOH-FA) that was newly identified from its seed oil via a 'discontinuous elongation' process. Although many research efforts have focused on the diOH-FA biosynthesis mechanism and identified the potential co-expressed diacylglycerol acyltranferase (DGAT) gene associated with triacylglycerol (TAG)-polyestolides biosynthesis, the dynamics of metabolic changes during seed development of O. violaceus as well as its associated regulatory network changes are poorly understood. RESULTS In this study, by combining metabolome and transcriptome analysis, we identified that 1,003 metabolites and 22,479 genes were active across four stages of seed development, which were further divided into three main clusters based on the patterns of metabolite accumulation and/or gene expression. Among which, cluster2 was mostly related to diOH-FA biosynthesis pathway. We thus further constructed transcription factor (TF)-structural genes regulatory map for the genes associated with the flavonoids, fatty acids and diOH-FA biosynthesis pathway in this cluster. In particular, several TF families such as bHLH, B3, HD-ZIP, MYB were found to potentially regulate the metabolism associated with the diOH-FA pathway. Among which, multiple candidate TFs with promising potential for increasing the diOH-FA content were identified, and we further traced the evolutionary history of these key genes among species of Brassicaceae. CONCLUSION Taken together, our study provides new insight into the gene resources and potential relevant regulatory mechanisms of diOH-FA biosynthesis uniquely in seeds of O. violaceus, which will help to promote the downstream breeding efforts of this potential oilseed crop and advance the bio-lubricant industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Changfu Jia
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiang Lai
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yiman Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiajun Feng
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuming Dan
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yulin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhiqin Long
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiali Wu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiner Qumu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Jing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Dinday S, Ghosh S. Recent advances in triterpenoid pathway elucidation and engineering. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 68:108214. [PMID: 37478981 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Triterpenoids are among the most assorted class of specialized metabolites found in all the taxa of living organisms. Triterpenoids are the leading active ingredients sourced from plant species and are utilized in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The triterpenoid precursor 2,3-oxidosqualene, which is biosynthesized via the mevalonate (MVA) pathway is structurally diversified by the oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs) and other scaffold-decorating enzymes such as cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s), UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) and acyltransferases (ATs). A majority of the bioactive triterpenoids are harvested from the native hosts using the traditional methods of extraction and occasionally semi-synthesized. These methods of supply are time-consuming and do not often align with sustainability goals. Recent advancements in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology have shown prospects for the green routes of triterpenoid pathway reconstruction in heterologous hosts such as Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Nicotiana benthamiana, which appear to be quite promising and might lead to the development of alternative source of triterpenoids. The present review describes the biotechnological strategies used to elucidate complex biosynthetic pathways and to understand their regulation and also discusses how the advances in triterpenoid pathway engineering might aid in the scale-up of triterpenoid production in engineered hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Dinday
- CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow 226015, Uttar Pradesh, India; School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana 141004, Punjab, India
| | - Sumit Ghosh
- CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow 226015, Uttar Pradesh, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Shelake RM, Jadhav AM, Bhosale PB, Kim JY. Unlocking secrets of nature's chemists: Potential of CRISPR/Cas-based tools in plant metabolic engineering for customized nutraceutical and medicinal profiles. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2023; 203:108070. [PMID: 37816270 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.108070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
Plant species have evolved diverse metabolic pathways to effectively respond to internal and external signals throughout their life cycle, allowing adaptation to their sessile and phototropic nature. These pathways selectively activate specific metabolic processes, producing plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) governed by genetic and environmental factors. Humans have utilized PSM-enriched plant sources for millennia in medicine and nutraceuticals. Recent technological advances have significantly contributed to discovering metabolic pathways and related genes involved in the biosynthesis of specific PSM in different food crops and medicinal plants. Consequently, there is a growing demand for plant materials rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds, marketed as "superfoods". To meet the industrial demand for superfoods and therapeutic PSMs, modern methods such as system biology, omics, synthetic biology, and genome editing (GE) play a crucial role in identifying the molecular players, limiting steps, and regulatory circuitry involved in PSM production. Among these methods, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-CRISPR associated protein (CRISPR/Cas) is the most widely used system for plant GE due to its simple design, flexibility, precision, and multiplexing capabilities. Utilizing the CRISPR-based toolbox for metabolic engineering (ME) offers an ideal solution for developing plants with tailored preventive (nutraceuticals) and curative (therapeutic) metabolic profiles in an ecofriendly way. This review discusses recent advances in understanding the multifactorial regulation of metabolic pathways, the application of CRISPR-based tools for plant ME, and the potential research areas for enhancing plant metabolic profiles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Mahadev Shelake
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four Program), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea.
| | - Amol Maruti Jadhav
- Research Institute of Green Energy Convergence Technology (RIGET), Gyeongsang National University, 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Pritam Bhagwan Bhosale
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Yean Kim
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four Program), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea; Division of Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea; Nulla Bio Inc, 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kliebenstein DJ. Is specialized metabolite regulation specialized? JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023; 74:4942-4948. [PMID: 37260397 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erad209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Recent technical and theoretical advances have generated an explosion in the identification of specialized metabolite pathways. In comparison, our understanding of how these pathways are regulated is relatively lagging. This and the relatively young age of specialized metabolite pathways has partly contributed to a default and common paradigm whereby specialized metabolite regulation is theorized as relatively simple with a few key transcription factors and the compounds are non-regulatory end-products. In contrast, studies into model specialized metabolites, such as glucosinolates, are beginning to identify a new understanding whereby specialized metabolites are highly integrated into the plants' core metabolic, physiological, and developmental pathways. This model includes a greatly extended compendium of transcription factors controlling the pathway, key transcription factors that co-evolve with the pathway and simultaneously control core metabolic and developmental components, and finally the compounds themselves evolve regulatory connections to integrate into the plants signaling machinery. In this review, these concepts are illustrated using studies in the glucosinolate pathway within the Brassicales. This suggests that the broader community needs to reconsider how they do or do not integrate specialized metabolism into the regulatory network of their study species.
Collapse
|
20
|
Pretorius CJ, Dubery IA. Avenanthramides, Distinctive Hydroxycinnamoyl Conjugates of Oat, Avena sativa L.: An Update on the Biosynthesis, Chemistry, and Bioactivities. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1388. [PMID: 36987077 PMCID: PMC10055937 DOI: 10.3390/plants12061388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Avenanthramides are a group of N-cinnamoylanthranilic acids (phenolic alkaloid compounds) that are produced in oat plants as phytoalexins, in response to pathogen attack and elicitation. The enzyme catalysing the cinnamamide-generating reaction is hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA: hydroxyanthranilate N-hydroxycinnamoyltransferase (HHT, a member of the super family of BAHD acyltransferases). HHT from oat appears to have a narrow range of substrate usage, with preferred use of 5-hydroxyanthranilic acid (and to a lesser extent, other hydroxylated and methoxylated derivatives) as acceptor molecules, but is able to use both substituted cinnamoyl-CoA and avenalumoyl-CoA thioesters as donor molecules. Avenanthramides thus combine carbon skeletons from both the stress-inducible shikimic acid and phenylpropanoid pathways. These features contribute to the chemical characteristics of avenanthramides as multifunctional plant defence compounds, as antimicrobial agents and anti-oxidants. Although avenanthramides are naturally and uniquely synthesised in oat plants, these molecules also exhibit medicinal and pharmaceutical uses important for human health, prompting research into utilisation of biotechnology to enhance agriculture and value-added production.
Collapse
|