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von Steimker J, Tripodi P, Wendenburg R, Tringovska I, Nankar AN, Stoeva V, Pasev G, Klemmer A, Todorova V, Bulut M, Tikunov Y, Bovy A, Gechev T, Kostova D, Fernie AR, Alseekh S. The genetic architecture of the pepper metabolome and the biosynthesis of its signature capsianoside metabolites. Curr Biol 2024:S0960-9822(24)01069-8. [PMID: 39197460 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.07.098] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024]
Abstract
Capsicum (pepper) is among the most economically important species worldwide, and its fruits accumulate specialized metabolites with essential roles in plant environmental interaction and human health benefits as well as in conferring their unique taste. However, the genetics underlying differences in metabolite presence/absence and/or accumulation remain largely unknown. In this study, we carried out a genome-wide association study as well as generating and characterizing a novel backcross inbred line mapping population to determine the genetic architecture of the pepper metabolome. This genetic analysis provided over 1,000 metabolic quantitative trait loci (mQTL) for over 250 annotated metabolites. We identified 92 candidate genes involved in various mQTLs. Among the identified loci, we described and validated a gene cluster of eleven UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) involved in monomeric capsianoside biosynthesis. We additionally constructed the gene-by-gene-based biosynthetic pathway of pepper capsianoside biosynthesis, including both core and decorative reactions. Given that one of these decorative pathways, namely the glycosylation of acyclic diterpenoid glycosides, contributes to plant resistance, these data provide new insights and breeding resources for pepper. They additionally provide a blueprint for the better understanding of the biosynthesis of species-specific natural compounds in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia von Steimker
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, Potsdam-Golm 14476, Germany
| | - Pasquale Tripodi
- Research Centre for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), 84098 Pontecagnano Faiano, Italy
| | - Regina Wendenburg
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, Potsdam-Golm 14476, Germany
| | - Ivanka Tringovska
- Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research Institute, Agricultural Academy, 32 Brezovsko shosse str., Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
| | - Amol N Nankar
- Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 14 Knyaz Boris I Pokrastitel, Plovdiv 4023, Bulgaria; Department of Horticulture, University of Georgia, 2360 Rainwater Road, Tifton, GA 31793-5766, USA
| | - Veneta Stoeva
- Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research Institute, Agricultural Academy, 32 Brezovsko shosse str., Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
| | - Gancho Pasev
- Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research Institute, Agricultural Academy, 32 Brezovsko shosse str., Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
| | - Annabella Klemmer
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, Potsdam-Golm 14476, Germany
| | - Velichka Todorova
- Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research Institute, Agricultural Academy, 32 Brezovsko shosse str., Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
| | - Mustafa Bulut
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, Potsdam-Golm 14476, Germany
| | - Yury Tikunov
- Plant Breeding, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 386, 6700 AJ Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Arnaud Bovy
- Plant Breeding, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 386, 6700 AJ Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Tsanko Gechev
- Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 14 Knyaz Boris I Pokrastitel, Plovdiv 4023, Bulgaria; Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, Plovdiv University, 24 Tsar Assen str., Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
| | - Dimitrina Kostova
- Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research Institute, Agricultural Academy, 32 Brezovsko shosse str., Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria; Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 14 Knyaz Boris I Pokrastitel, Plovdiv 4023, Bulgaria
| | - Alisdair R Fernie
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, Potsdam-Golm 14476, Germany; Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 14 Knyaz Boris I Pokrastitel, Plovdiv 4023, Bulgaria.
| | - Saleh Alseekh
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, Potsdam-Golm 14476, Germany; Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 14 Knyaz Boris I Pokrastitel, Plovdiv 4023, Bulgaria.
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2
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Golubova D, Tansley C, Su H, Patron NJ. Engineering Nicotiana benthamiana as a platform for natural product biosynthesis. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 81:102611. [PMID: 39098308 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2024.102611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Nicotiana benthamiana is a model plant, widely used for research. The susceptibility of young plants to Agrobacterium tumefaciens has been utilised for transient gene expression, enabling the production of recombinant proteins at laboratory and commercial scales. More recently, this technique has been used for the rapid prototyping of synthetic genetic circuits and for the elucidation and reconstruction of metabolic pathways. In the last few years, many complex metabolic pathways have been successfully reconstructed in this species. In addition, the availability of improved genomic resources and efficient gene editing tools have enabled the application of sophisticated metabolic engineering approaches to increase the purity and yield of target compounds. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the use of N. benthamiana for understanding and engineering plant metabolism, as well as efforts to improve the utility of this species as a production chassis for natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Golubova
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UZ, UK
| | - C Tansley
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UZ, UK; Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, UK
| | - H Su
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UZ, UK
| | - N J Patron
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UZ, UK; Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, UK.
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3
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Li F, Shahsavarani M, Handy-Hart CJ, Côté A, Brasseur-Trottier X, Montgomery V, Beech RN, Liu L, Bayen S, Qu Y, De Luca V, Dastmalchi M. Characterization of a vacuolar importer of secologanin in Catharanthus roseus. Commun Biol 2024; 7:939. [PMID: 39097635 PMCID: PMC11298008 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06624-5] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Monoterpenoid indole alkaloid (MIA) biosynthesis in Catharanthus roseus is a paragon of the spatiotemporal complexity achievable by plant specialized metabolism. Spanning a range of tissues, four cell types, and five cellular organelles, MIA metabolism is intricately regulated and organized. This high degree of metabolic differentiation requires inter-cellular and organellar transport, which remains understudied. Here, we have characterized a vacuolar importer of secologanin belonging to the multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) family, named CrMATE1. Phylogenetic analyses of MATEs suggested a role in alkaloid transport for CrMATE1, and in planta silencing in two varieties of C. roseus resulted in a shift in the secoiridoid and MIA profiles. Subcellular localization of CrMATE1 confirmed tonoplast localization. Biochemical characterization was conducted using the Xenopus laevis oocyte expression system to determine substrate range, directionality, and rate. We can confirm that CrMATE1 is a vacuolar importer of secologanin, translocating 1 mM of substrate within 25 min. The transporter displayed strict directionality and specificity for secologanin and did not accept other secoiridoid substrates. The unique substrate-specific activity of CrMATE1 showcases the utility of transporters as gatekeepers of pathway flux, mediating the balance between a defense arsenal and cellular homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanfan Li
- Plant Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | | | | | - Audrey Côté
- Plant Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | | | - Victoria Montgomery
- Parasitology, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Robin N Beech
- Parasitology, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Lan Liu
- Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Stéphane Bayen
- Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Yang Qu
- Chemistry, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, E3B 5A3, Canada
| | - Vincenzo De Luca
- Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Mehran Dastmalchi
- Plant Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada.
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4
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Bai Y, Liu X, Baldwin IT. Using Synthetic Biology to Understand the Function of Plant Specialized Metabolites. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 75:629-653. [PMID: 38424065 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-arplant-060223-013842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Plant specialized metabolites (PSMs) are variably distributed across taxa, tissues, and ecological contexts; this variability has inspired many theories about PSM function, which, to date, remain poorly tested because predictions have outpaced the available data. Advances in mass spectrometry-based metabolomics have enabled unbiased PSM profiling, and molecular biology techniques have produced PSM-free plants; the combination of these methods has accelerated our understanding of the complex ecological roles that PSMs play in plants. Synthetic biology techniques and workflows are producing high-value, structurally complex PSMs in quantities and purities sufficient for both medicinal and functional studies. These workflows enable the reengineering of PSM transport, externalization, structural diversity, and production in novel taxa, facilitating rigorous tests of long-standing theoretical predictions about why plants produce so many different PSMs in particular tissues and ecological contexts. Plants use their chemical prowess to solve ecological challenges, and synthetic biology workflows are accelerating our understanding of these evolved functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuechen Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; ,
| | - Xinyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; ,
| | - Ian T Baldwin
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany;
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5
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Jung S, Maeda HA. Debottlenecking the L-DOPA 4,5-dioxygenase step with enhanced tyrosine supply boosts betalain production in Nicotiana benthamiana. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 195:2456-2471. [PMID: 38498597 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiae166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic biology provides emerging tools to produce valuable compounds in plant hosts as sustainable chemical production platforms. However, little is known about how supply and utilization of precursors is coordinated at the interface of plant primary and specialized metabolism, limiting our ability to efficiently produce high levels of target specialized metabolites in plants. L-Tyrosine is an aromatic amino acid precursor of diverse plant natural products including betalain pigments, which are used as the major natural food red colorants and more recently a visual marker for plant transformation. Here, we studied the impact of enhanced L-tyrosine supply on the production of betalain pigments by expressing arogenate dehydrogenase (TyrA) from table beet (Beta vulgaris, BvTyrAα), which has relaxed feedback inhibition by L-tyrosine. Unexpectedly, betalain levels were reduced when BvTyrAα was coexpressed with the betalain pathway genes in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves; L-tyrosine and 3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine (L-DOPA) levels were drastically elevated but not efficiently converted to betalains. An additional expression of L-DOPA 4,5-dioxygenase (DODA), but not CYP76AD1 or cyclo-DOPA 5-O-glucosyltransferase, together with BvTyrAα and the betalain pathway, drastically enhanced betalain production, indicating that DODA is a major rate-limiting step of betalain biosynthesis in this system. Learning from this initial test and further debottlenecking the DODA step maximized betalain yield to an equivalent or higher level than that in table beet. Our data suggest that balancing between enhanced supply ("push") and effective utilization ("pull") of precursor by alleviating a bottleneck step is critical in successful plant synthetic biology to produce high levels of target compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soyoung Jung
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Hiroshi A Maeda
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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6
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Han J, Miller EP, Li S. Cutting-edge plant natural product pathway elucidation. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 87:103137. [PMID: 38677219 PMCID: PMC11192039 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103137] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Plant natural products (PNPs) play important roles in plant physiology and have been applied across diverse fields of human society. Understanding their biosynthetic pathways informs plant evolution and meanwhile enables sustainable production through metabolic engineering. However, the discovery of PNP biosynthetic pathways remains challenging due to the diversity of enzymes involved and limitations in traditional gene mining approaches. In this review, we will summarize state-of-the-art strategies and recent examples for predicting and characterizing PNP biosynthetic pathways, respectively, with multiomics-guided tools and heterologous host systems and share our perspectives on the systematic pipelines integrating these various bioinformatic and biochemical approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianing Han
- Robert F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Emma Parker Miller
- Plant Biology Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Sijin Li
- Robert F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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7
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Holtz M, Acevedo-Rocha CG, Jensen MK. Combining enzyme and metabolic engineering for microbial supply of therapeutic phytochemicals. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 87:103110. [PMID: 38503222 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103110] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
The history of pharmacology is deeply intertwined with plant-derived compounds, which continue to be crucial in drug development. However, their complex structures and limited availability in plants challenge drug discovery, optimization, development, and industrial production via chemical synthesis or natural extraction. This review delves into the integration of metabolic and enzyme engineering to leverage micro-organisms as platforms for the sustainable and reliable production of therapeutic phytochemicals. We argue that engineered microbes can serve a triple role in this paradigm: facilitating pathway discovery, acting as cell factories for scalable manufacturing, and functioning as platforms for chemical derivatization. Analyzing recent progress and outlining future directions, the review highlights microbial biotechnology's transformative potential in expanding plant-derived human therapeutics' discovery and supply chains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxence Holtz
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Carlos G Acevedo-Rocha
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Michael K Jensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
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8
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Smit SJ, Ayten S, Radzikowska BA, Hamilton JP, Langer S, Unsworth WP, Larson TR, Buell CR, Lichman BR. The genomic and enzymatic basis for iridoid biosynthesis in cat thyme (Teucrium marum). THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 118:1589-1602. [PMID: 38489316 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16698] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Iridoids are non-canonical monoterpenoids produced by both insects and plants. An example is the cat-attracting and insect-repelling volatile iridoid nepetalactone, produced by Nepeta sp. (catmint) and aphids. Recently, both nepetalactone biosynthetic pathways were elucidated, showing a remarkable convergent evolution. The iridoid, dolichodial, produced by Teucrium marum (cat thyme) and multiple insect species, has highly similar properties to nepetalactone but its biosynthetic origin remains unknown. We set out to determine the genomic, enzymatic, and evolutionary basis of iridoid biosynthesis in T. marum. First, we generated a de novo chromosome-scale genome assembly for T. marum using Oxford Nanopore Technologies long reads and proximity-by-ligation Hi-C reads. The 610.3 Mb assembly spans 15 pseudomolecules with a 32.9 Mb N50 scaffold size. This enabled identification of iridoid biosynthetic genes, whose roles were verified via activity assays. Phylogenomic analysis revealed that the evolutionary history of T. marum iridoid synthase, the iridoid scaffold-forming enzyme, is not orthologous to typical iridoid synthases but is derived from its conserved paralog. We discovered an enzymatic route from nepetalactol to diverse iridoids through the coupled activity of an iridoid oxidase cytochrome P450 and acetyltransferases, via an inferred acylated intermediate. This work provides a genomic resource for specialized metabolite research in mints and demonstration of the role of acetylation in T. marum iridoid diversity. This work will enable future biocatalytic or biosynthetic production of potent insect repellents, as well as comparative studies into iridoid biosynthesis in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J Smit
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products, Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Sefa Ayten
- Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics, & Genomics, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, 30602, USA
| | - Barbara A Radzikowska
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products, Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
- Department of Chemistry, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - John P Hamilton
- Center for Applied Genetic Technologies, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, 30602, USA
- Department of Crop & Soil Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, 30602, USA
| | - Swen Langer
- Bioscience Technology Facility, Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | | | - Tony R Larson
- Bioscience Technology Facility, Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - C Robin Buell
- Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics, & Genomics, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, 30602, USA
- Center for Applied Genetic Technologies, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, 30602, USA
- Department of Crop & Soil Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, 30602, USA
| | - Benjamin R Lichman
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products, Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
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9
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Kumari M, Checker VG, Kathpalia R, Srivastava V, Singh IK, Singh A. Metabolic engineering for enhanced terpenoid production: Leveraging new horizons with an old technique. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 210:108511. [PMID: 38593484 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108511] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Terpenoids are a vast class of plant specialized metabolites (PSMs) manufactured by plants and are involved in their interactions with environment. In addition, they add health benefits to human nutrition and are widely used as pharmaceutically active compounds. However, native plants produce a limited amount of terpenes restricting metabolite yield of terpene-related metabolites. Exponential growth in the plant metabolome data and the requirement of alternative approaches for producing the desired amount of terpenoids, has redirected plant biotechnology research to plant metabolic engineering, which requires in-depth knowledge and precise expertise about dynamic plant metabolic pathways and cellular physiology. Metabolic engineering is an assuring tool for enhancing the concentration of terpenes by adopting specific strategies such as overexpression of the key genes associated with the biosynthesis of targeted metabolites, controlling the modulation of transcription factors, downregulation of competitive pathways (RNAi), co-expression of the biosynthetic pathway genes in heterologous system and other combinatorial approaches. Microorganisms, fast-growing host plants (such as Nicotiana benthamiana), and cell suspension/callus cultures have provided better means for producing valuable terpenoids. Manipulation in the biosynthetic pathways responsible for synthesis of terpenoids can provide opportunities to enhance the content of desired terpenoids and open up new avenues to enhance their production. This review deliberates the worth of metabolic engineering in medicinal plants to resolve issues associated with terpenoid production at a commercial scale. However, to bring the revolution through metabolic engineering, further implementation of genome editing, elucidation of metabolic pathways using omics approaches, system biology approaches, and synthetic biology tactics are essentially needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megha Kumari
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi, 110021, India; Department of Botany, Hansraj College, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | | | - Renu Kathpalia
- Department of Botany, Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Vikas Srivastava
- Department of Botany, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Jammu, Samba, 181143, India
| | - Indrakant Kumar Singh
- Molecular Biology Research Lab, Department of Zoology, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, Kalkaji, New Delhi, 110019, India
| | - Archana Singh
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi, 110021, India; Department of Botany, Hansraj College, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India; Delhi School of Climate Change and Sustainability, Institution of Eminence, Maharishi Karnad Bhawan, University of Delhi, Delhi, India.
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10
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Yao L, Wu X, Jiang X, Shan M, Zhang Z, Li Y, Yang A, Li Y, Yang C. Subcellular compartmentalization in the biosynthesis and engineering of plant natural products. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 69:108258. [PMID: 37722606 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Plant natural products (PNPs) are specialized metabolites with diverse bioactivities. They are extensively used in the pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical and food industries. PNPs are synthesized in plant cells by enzymes that are distributed in different subcellular compartments with unique microenvironments, such as ions, co-factors and substrates. Plant metabolic engineering is an emerging and promising approach for the sustainable production of PNPs, for which the knowledge of the subcellular compartmentalization of their biosynthesis is instrumental. In this review we describe the state of the art on the role of subcellular compartments in the biosynthesis of major types of PNPs, including terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids and glucosinolates, and highlight the efforts to target biosynthetic pathways to subcellular compartments in plants. In addition, we will discuss the challenges and strategies in the field of plant synthetic biology and subcellular engineering. We expect that newly developed methods and tools, together with the knowledge gained from the microbial chassis, will greatly advance plant metabolic engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yao
- Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China
| | - Xiuming Wu
- Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China
| | - Xun Jiang
- Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China
| | - Muhammad Shan
- Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China
| | - Zhuoxiang Zhang
- Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China
| | - Yiting Li
- Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China
| | - Aiguo Yang
- Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China
| | - Yu Li
- Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Changqing Yang
- Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China.
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11
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Wu M, Northen TR, Ding Y. Stressing the importance of plant specialized metabolites: omics-based approaches for discovering specialized metabolism in plant stress responses. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1272363. [PMID: 38023861 PMCID: PMC10663375 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1272363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Plants produce a diverse range of specialized metabolites that play pivotal roles in mediating environmental interactions and stress adaptation. These unique chemical compounds also hold significant agricultural, medicinal, and industrial values. Despite the expanding knowledge of their functions in plant stress interactions, understanding the intricate biosynthetic pathways of these natural products remains challenging due to gene and pathway redundancy, multifunctionality of proteins, and the activity of enzymes with broad substrate specificity. In the past decade, substantial progress in genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics has made the exploration of plant specialized metabolism more feasible than ever before. Notably, recent advances in integrative multi-omics and computational approaches, along with other technologies, are accelerating the discovery of plant specialized metabolism. In this review, we present a summary of the recent progress in the discovery of plant stress-related specialized metabolites. Emphasis is placed on the application of advanced omics-based approaches and other techniques in studying plant stress-related specialized metabolism. Additionally, we discuss the high-throughput methods for gene functional characterization. These advances hold great promise for harnessing the potential of specialized metabolites to enhance plant stress resilience in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxi Wu
- College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Trent R. Northen
- Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Yezhang Ding
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
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12
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Vollheyde K, Dudley QM, Yang T, Oz MT, Mancinotti D, Fedi MO, Heavens D, Linsmith G, Chhetry M, Smedley MA, Harwood WA, Swarbreck D, Geu‐Flores F, Patron NJ. An improved Nicotiana benthamiana bioproduction chassis provides novel insights into nicotine biosynthesis. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023; 240:302-317. [PMID: 37488711 PMCID: PMC10952274 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
The model plant Nicotiana benthamiana is an increasingly attractive organism for the production of high-value, biologically active molecules. However, N. benthamiana accumulates high levels of pyridine alkaloids, in particular nicotine, which complicates the downstream purification processes. Here, we report a new assembly of the N. benthamiana genome as well as the generation of low-nicotine lines by CRISPR/Cas9-based inactivation of berberine bridge enzyme-like proteins (BBLs). Triple as well as quintuple mutants accumulated three to four times less nicotine than the respective control lines. The availability of lines without functional BBLs allowed us to probe their catalytic role in nicotine biosynthesis, which has remained obscure. Notably, chiral analysis revealed that the enantiomeric purity of nicotine was fully lost in the quintuple mutants. In addition, precursor feeding experiments showed that these mutants cannot facilitate the specific loss of C6 hydrogen that characterizes natural nicotine biosynthesis. Our work delivers an improved N. benthamiana chassis for bioproduction and uncovers the crucial role of BBLs in the stereoselectivity of nicotine biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Vollheyde
- Department of Plant and Environmental SciencesUniversity of Copenhagen1871 FrederiksbergCopenhagenDenmark
| | | | - Ting Yang
- Department of Plant and Environmental SciencesUniversity of Copenhagen1871 FrederiksbergCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Mehmet T. Oz
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research ParkNorwichNorfolkNR4 7UZUK
| | - Davide Mancinotti
- Department of Plant and Environmental SciencesUniversity of Copenhagen1871 FrederiksbergCopenhagenDenmark
| | | | - Darren Heavens
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research ParkNorwichNorfolkNR4 7UZUK
| | - Gareth Linsmith
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research ParkNorwichNorfolkNR4 7UZUK
| | - Monika Chhetry
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research ParkNorwichNorfolkNR4 7UHUK
| | - Mark A. Smedley
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research ParkNorwichNorfolkNR4 7UHUK
| | | | - David Swarbreck
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research ParkNorwichNorfolkNR4 7UZUK
| | - Fernando Geu‐Flores
- Department of Plant and Environmental SciencesUniversity of Copenhagen1871 FrederiksbergCopenhagenDenmark
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13
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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.
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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.
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14
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Wang Y, Demirer GS. Synthetic biology for plant genetic engineering and molecular farming. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:1182-1198. [PMID: 37012119 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Many efforts have been put into engineering plants to improve crop yields and stress tolerance and boost the bioproduction of valuable molecules. Yet, our capabilities are still limited due to the lack of well-characterized genetic building blocks and resources for precise manipulation and given the inherently challenging properties of plant tissues. Advancements in plant synthetic biology can overcome these bottlenecks and release the full potential of engineered plants. In this review, we first discuss the recently developed plant synthetic elements from single parts to advanced circuits, software, and hardware tools expediting the engineering cycle. Next, we survey the advancements in plant biotechnology enabled by these recent resources. We conclude the review with outstanding challenges and future directions of plant synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunqing Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Gozde S Demirer
- Department of Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
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15
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Salim V, Jarecki SA, Vick M, Miller R. Advances in Metabolic Engineering of Plant Monoterpene Indole Alkaloids. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1056. [PMID: 37626942 PMCID: PMC10452178 DOI: 10.3390/biology12081056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Monoterpene indole alkaloids (MIAs) encompass a diverse family of over 3000 plant natural products with a wide range of medical applications. Further utilizations of these compounds, however, are hampered due to low levels of abundance in their natural sources, causing difficult isolation and complex multi-steps in uneconomical chemical syntheses. Metabolic engineering of MIA biosynthesis in heterologous hosts is attractive, particularly for increasing the yield of natural products of interest and expanding their chemical diversity. Here, we review recent advances and strategies which have been adopted to engineer microbial and plant systems for the purpose of generating MIAs and discuss the current issues and future developments of manufacturing MIAs by synthetic biology approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vonny Salim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71115, USA; (S.-A.J.); (M.V.)
| | - Sara-Alexis Jarecki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71115, USA; (S.-A.J.); (M.V.)
| | - Marshall Vick
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71115, USA; (S.-A.J.); (M.V.)
| | - Ryan Miller
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
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16
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Habib MA, Islam MM, Islam MM, Hasan MM, Baek KH. Current Status and De Novo Synthesis of Anti-Tumor Alkaloids in Nicotiana. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13050623. [PMID: 37233664 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13050623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Alkaloids are the most diversified nitrogen-containing secondary metabolites, having antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and are extensively used in pharmaceuticals to treat different types of cancer. Nicotiana serves as a reservoir of anti-cancer alkaloids and is also used as a model plant for the de novo synthesis of various anti-cancer molecules through genetic engineering. Up to 4% of the total dry weight of Nicotiana was found to be composed of alkaloids, where nicotine, nornicotine, anatabine, and anabasine are reported as the dominant alkaloids. Additionally, among the alkaloids present in Nicotiana, β-carboline (Harmane and Norharmane) and Kynurenines are found to show anti-tumor effects, especially in the cases of colon and breast cancers. Creating new or shunting of existing biosynthesis pathways in different species of Nicotiana resulted in de novo or increased synthesis of different anti-tumor molecules or their derivatives or precursors including Taxadiane (~22.5 µg/g), Artemisinin (~120 μg/g), Parthenolide (~2.05 ng/g), Costunolide (~60 ng/g), Etoposide (~1 mg/g), Crocin (~400 µg/g), Catharanthine (~60 ng/g), Tabersonine (~10 ng/g), Strictosidine (~0.23 mg/g), etc. Enriching the precursor pool, especially Dimethylallyl Diphosphate (DMAPP), down-regulating other bi-product pathways, compartmentalization or metabolic shunting, or organelle-specific reconstitution of the precursor pool, might trigger the enhanced accumulation of the targeted anti-cancer alkaloid in Nicotiana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Ahsan Habib
- Department of Plant Pathology, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh
| | - Md Mobinul Islam
- Department of Plant Pathology, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh
| | - Md Mukul Islam
- Department of Plant Pathology, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh
| | - Md Mohidul Hasan
- Department of Plant Pathology, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh
| | - Kwang-Hyun Baek
- Department of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
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17
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Kallam K, Moreno-Giménez E, Mateos-Fernández R, Tansley C, Gianoglio S, Orzaez D, Patron N. Tunable control of insect pheromone biosynthesis in Nicotiana benthamiana. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2023. [PMID: 37032497 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Previous work has demonstrated that plants can be used as production platforms for molecules used in health, medicine, and agriculture. Production has been exemplified in both stable transgenic plants and using transient expression strategies. In particular, species of Nicotiana have been engineered to produce a range of useful molecules, including insect sex pheromones, which are valued for species-specific control of agricultural pests. To date, most studies have relied on strong constitutive expression of all pathway genes. However, work in microbes has demonstrated that yields can be improved by controlling and balancing gene expression. Synthetic regulatory elements that provide control over the timing and levels of gene expression are therefore useful for maximizing yields from heterologous biosynthetic pathways. In this study, we demonstrate the use of pathway engineering and synthetic genetic elements for controlling the timing and levels of production of Lepidopteran sex pheromones in Nicotiana benthamiana. We demonstrate that copper can be used as a low-cost molecule for tightly regulated inducible expression. Further, we show how construct architecture influences relative gene expression and, consequently, product yields in multigene constructs. We compare a number of synthetic orthogonal regulatory elements and demonstrate maximal yields from constructs in which expression is mediated by dCas9-based synthetic transcriptional activators. The approaches demonstrated here provide new insights into the heterologous reconstruction of metabolic pathways in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalyani Kallam
- Engineering Biology, Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk, UK
| | - Elena Moreno-Giménez
- Institute for Plant Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMCP), UPV-CSIC, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Connor Tansley
- Engineering Biology, Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk, UK
| | - Silvia Gianoglio
- Institute for Plant Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMCP), UPV-CSIC, Valencia, Spain
| | - Diego Orzaez
- Institute for Plant Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMCP), UPV-CSIC, Valencia, Spain
| | - Nicola Patron
- Engineering Biology, Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk, UK
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18
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Wang H, Jiang G, Liang N, Dong T, Shan M, Yao M, Wang Y, Xiao W, Yuan Y. Systematic Engineering to Enhance 8-Hydroxygeraniol Production in Yeast. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:4319-4327. [PMID: 36857414 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c09028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
8-Hydroxygeraniol, an important component of insect sex pheromones and defensive secretions, can be used as a potential biological insect repellent in agriculture. Microbial production provides sustainable and green means to efficiently gain 8-hydroxygeraniol. The conversion of geraniol to 8-hydroxygeraniol by P450 geraniol-8-hydroxylase (G8H) was regarded as the bottleneck for 8-hydroxygeraniol production. Herein, an integrated strategy consisting of the fitness between G8H and cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR), endoplasmic reticulum (ER) engineering, and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) supply is implemented to enhance the production of 8-hydroxygeraniol in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The titer of 8-hydroxygeraniol was gradually increased by 2.1-fold (up to 158.1 mg/L). Moreover, dehydrogenase ADH6 and reductase ARI1 responsible for the reduction of 8-hydroxygeraniol toward shunt products were also deleted, elevating 8-hydroxygeraniol production to 238.9 mg/L at the shake flask level. Consequently, more than 1.0 g/L 8-hydroxygeraniol in S. cerevisiae was achieved in 5.0 L fed-batch fermentation by a carbon restriction strategy, which was the highest-reported titer in microbes so far. Our work not only provides a sustainable way for de novo biosynthesis of 8-hydroxygeraniol but also sets a good reference in P450 engineering in microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herong Wang
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Guozhen Jiang
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Nan Liang
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Tianyu Dong
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Mengying Shan
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Mingdong Yao
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Wenhai Xiao
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Georgia Tech Shenzhen Institute, Tianjin University, Shenzhen 518071, China
| | - Yingjin Yuan
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
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19
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Rizzo P, Chavez BG, Leite Dias S, D'Auria JC. Plant synthetic biology: from inspiration to augmentation. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2023; 79:102857. [PMID: 36502769 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2022.102857] [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: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although it is still in its infancy, synthetic biology has the capacity to face scientific and societal problems related to modern agriculture. Innovations in cloning toolkits and genetic parts allow increased precision over gene expression in planta. We review the vast spectrum of available technologies providing a practical list of toolkits that take advantage of combinatorial power to introduce/alter metabolic pathways. We highlight that rational design is inspired by deep knowledge of natural and biochemical mechanisms. Finally, we provide several examples in which modern technologies have been applied to address these critical topics. Future applications in plants include not only pathway modifications but also prospects of augmenting plant anatomical features and developmental processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paride Rizzo
- Metabolite Diversity Group, Department of Molecular Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) OT Gatersleben, Correnstr. 3, D-06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - Benjamin G Chavez
- Metabolite Diversity Group, Department of Molecular Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) OT Gatersleben, Correnstr. 3, D-06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - Sara Leite Dias
- Metabolite Diversity Group, Department of Molecular Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) OT Gatersleben, Correnstr. 3, D-06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - John C D'Auria
- Metabolite Diversity Group, Department of Molecular Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) OT Gatersleben, Correnstr. 3, D-06466 Seeland, Germany.
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20
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Kwan BD, Seligmann B, Nguyen TD, Franke J, Dang TTT. Leveraging synthetic biology and metabolic engineering to overcome obstacles in plant pathway elucidation. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 71:102330. [PMID: 36599248 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2022.102330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Major hurdles in plant biosynthetic pathway elucidation and engineering include the need for rapid testing of enzyme candidates and the lack of complex substrates that are often not accumulated in the plant, amenable to synthesis, or commercially available. Linking metabolic engineering with gene discovery in both yeast and plant holds great promise to expedite the elucidation process and, at the same time, provide a platform for the sustainable production of plant metabolites. In this review, we highlight how synthetic biology and metabolic engineering alleviated longstanding obstacles in plant pathway elucidation. Recent advances in developing these chassis that showcase established and emerging strategies in accelerating biosynthetic gene discovery will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke D Kwan
- Department of Chemistry, Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science, University of British Columbia, 3427 University Way, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Benedikt Seligmann
- Leibniz University Hannover, Institute of Botany, Herrenhäuser Str. 2, 30419 Hannover, Germany
| | - Trinh-Don Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry, Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science, University of British Columbia, 3427 University Way, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Jakob Franke
- Leibniz University Hannover, Institute of Botany, Herrenhäuser Str. 2, 30419 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Thu-Thuy T Dang
- Department of Chemistry, Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science, University of British Columbia, 3427 University Way, Kelowna, BC, Canada.
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21
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Barnes GL, Hong AY, Vanderwal CD. A Synthesis of Alstonlarsine A via Alstolucines B and F Demonstrates the Chemical Feasibility of a Proposed Biogenesis. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202215098. [PMID: 36448226 PMCID: PMC9852003 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202215098] [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: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
We offer a new biogenetic proposal for the origin of the complex alkaloid alstonlarsine A, through rearrangement of the Strychnos alkaloids alstolucines B and F. Further, we provide evidence of the chemical feasibility of this proposal in the facile conversion of synthetic alstolucines into alstonlarsine A through a short, efficient sequence of N-methylation, β-elimination, and a cascade 1,7-hydride shift/Mannich cyclization. We believe that this is the first biogenetic proposal involving the "tert-amino effect", a hydride-shift-based internal redox trigger of a Mannich cyclization. A further interesting feature of the cascade is that its stereochemical outcome most likely originates in conformational preferences during the hydride shift.
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Affiliation(s)
- Griffin L Barnes
- 1102 Natural Sciences II, Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA92697-2025, USA
| | - Allen Y Hong
- 1102 Natural Sciences II, Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA92697-2025, USA
| | - Christopher D Vanderwal
- 1102 Natural Sciences II, Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA92697-2025, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 101 Theory, University of California, Irvine, CA-92697, USA
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22
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Grzech D, Hong B, Caputi L, Sonawane PD, O’Connor SE. Engineering the Biosynthesis of Late-Stage Vinblastine Precursors Precondylocarpine Acetate, Catharanthine, Tabersonine in Nicotiana benthamiana. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 12:27-34. [PMID: 36516122 PMCID: PMC9872167 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Vinblastine is a chemotherapy agent produced by the plant Catharanthus roseus in small quantities. Currently, vinblastine is sourced by isolation or semisynthesis. Nicotiana benthamiana is a plant heterologous host that can be used for reconstitution of biosynthetic pathways as an alternative natural product sourcing strategy. Recently, the biosynthesis of the late-stage vinblastine precursors precondylocarpine acetate, catharanthine, and tabersonine have been fully elucidated. However, the large number of enzymes involved in the pathway and the unstable nature of intermediates make the reconstitution of late-stage vinblastine precursor biosynthesis challenging. We used the N. benthamiana chassis and a state-of-art modular vector assembly to optimize the six biosynthetic steps leading to production of precondylocarpine acetate from the central intermediate strictosidine (∼2.7 mg per 1 g frozen tissue). After selecting the optimal regulatory element combination, we constructed four transcriptional unit assemblies and tested their efficiency. Finally, we successfully reconstituted the biosynthetic steps leading to production of catharanthine and tabersonine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagny Grzech
- Department
of Natural Product Biosynthesis, Max Planck
Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Benke Hong
- Department
of Natural Product Biosynthesis, Max Planck
Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Lorenzo Caputi
- Department
of Natural Product Biosynthesis, Max Planck
Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Prashant D. Sonawane
- Department
of Natural Product Biosynthesis, Max Planck
Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Sarah E. O’Connor
- Department
of Natural Product Biosynthesis, Max Planck
Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany,
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23
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Palmer L, Chuang L, Siegmund M, Kunert M, Yamamoto K, Sonawane P, O'Connor SE. In vivo characterization of key iridoid biosynthesis pathway genes in catnip (Nepeta cataria). PLANTA 2022; 256:99. [PMID: 36222913 PMCID: PMC9556426 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-022-04012-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Using virus-induced gene silencing, we demonstrated that the enzymes GES, ISY, and MLPL are responsible for nepetalactone biosynthesis in Nepeta cataria. Nepetalactone is the main iridoid that is found in the Nepeta genus and is well-known for its psychoactive effect on house cats. Moreover, there is a burgeoning interest into the effect of nepetalactone on insects. Although the enzymes for nepetalactone biosynthesis have been biochemically assayed in vitro, validation of the role that these enzymes have in planta has not been demonstrated. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) is a silencing method that relies on transient transformation and is an approach that has been particularly successful when applied to a variety of non-model plants. Here, we use a recently designed visual-marker dependent VIGS system to demonstrate that the nepetalactone biosynthetic enzymes GES, ISY, and MLPL impact nepetalactone biosynthesis in Nepeta cataria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lira Palmer
- Department of Natural Product Biosynthesis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Ling Chuang
- Institute of Botany, Leibniz University Hannover, 30167, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marlen Siegmund
- Department of Natural Product Biosynthesis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Maritta Kunert
- Department of Natural Product Biosynthesis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Kotaro Yamamoto
- School of Science, Association of International Arts and Science, Yokohama City University, 22-2 Seto, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0027, Japan
| | - Prashant Sonawane
- Department of Natural Product Biosynthesis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Sarah E O'Connor
- Department of Natural Product Biosynthesis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07743, Jena, Germany.
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