1
|
Umar AW, Ahmad N, Xu M. Reviving Natural Rubber Synthesis via Native/Large Nanodiscs. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1468. [PMID: 38891415 PMCID: PMC11174458 DOI: 10.3390/polym16111468] [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: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural rubber (NR) is utilized in more than 40,000 products, and the demand for NR is projected to reach $68.5 billion by 2026. The primary commercial source of NR is the latex of Hevea brasiliensis. NR is produced by the sequential cis-condensation of isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) through a complex known as the rubber transferase (RTase) complex. This complex is associated with rubber particles, specialized organelles for NR synthesis. Despite numerous attempts to isolate, characterize, and study the RTase complex, definitive results have not yet been achieved. This review proposes an innovative approach to overcome this longstanding challenge. The suggested method involves isolating the RTase complex without using detergents, instead utilizing the native membrane lipids, referred to as "natural nanodiscs", and subsequently reconstituting the complex on liposomes. Additionally, we recommend the adaptation of large nanodiscs for the incorporation and reconstitution of the RTase complex, whether it is in vitro transcribed or present within the natural nanodiscs. These techniques show promise as a viable solution to the current obstacles. Based on our experimental experience and insights from published literature, we believe these refined methodologies can significantly enhance our understanding of the RTase complex and its role in in vitro NR synthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Wakeel Umar
- BNU-HKUST Laboratory of Green Innovation, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai (BNUZ), Zhuhai 519087, China
| | - Naveed Ahmad
- Joint Center for Single Cell Biology, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Agri-Seeds, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China;
| | - Ming Xu
- BNU-HKUST Laboratory of Green Innovation, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai (BNUZ), Zhuhai 519087, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Carbon Neutrality, Jiangmen Laboratory of Carbon Science and Technology, Jiangmen 529199, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mofidi SSH, Naghavi MR, Sabokdast M, Jariani P, Zargar M, Cornish K. Effect of drought stress on natural rubber biosynthesis and quality in Taraxacum kok-saghyz roots. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0295694. [PMID: 38252676 PMCID: PMC10802950 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295694] [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: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TKS) is a potential source of natural rubber (NR) that can be grown in temperate regions with limited water availability. However, the effect of drought stress on NR production and properties in TKS isn't well studied. This study examined how different levels of drought stress (30, 60 and 90%) influenced the NR content, molecular weight (Mw), glass transition temperature (Tg), gene expression, and biochemical parameters in TKS roots. The results showed that drought stress didn't significantly change the NR content, but increased the Mw and the expression of CPT and SRPP genes, which are involved in NR biosynthesis. The NR from TKS roots (TNR) had a high Mw of 994,000 g/mol and a low Tg of below -60°C under normal irrigation, indicating its suitability for industrial applications. Drought stress also triggered the accumulation of proline, H2O2, MDA, and antioxidant enzymes (CAT, APX, GPX) in TKS roots significantly, indicating a drought tolerance mechanism. These findings suggest that TKS can produce high-quality NR under drought stress conditions and provide a sustainable alternative to conventional NR sources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Shahab Hedayat Mofidi
- Division of Biotechnology, Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, College of Agricultural and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Naghavi
- Division of Biotechnology, Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, College of Agricultural and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
- Department of Agrobiotechnology, Institute of Agriculture, RUDN University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Manijeh Sabokdast
- Division of Biotechnology, Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, College of Agricultural and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
| | - Parisa Jariani
- Division of Biotechnology, Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, College of Agricultural and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
| | - Meisam Zargar
- Department of Agrobiotechnology, Institute of Agriculture, RUDN University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Katrina Cornish
- Departments of Horticulture and Crop Science, and Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tan Y, Cao J, Tang C, Liu K. Advances in Genome Sequencing and Natural Rubber Biosynthesis in Rubber-Producing Plants. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:9342-9353. [PMID: 38132431 PMCID: PMC10741621 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45120585] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural rubber (cis-1,4-polyisoprene, NR) is an important raw material utilized widely in the manufacturing of medical, agricultural, and industrial products. Rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) and several alternative rubber-producing plants (Taraxacum kok-saghyz, Lactuca sativa, and Parthenium argentatum) have the capability to produce high-quality NR. With the progress of genome sequencing, similar rubber biosynthesis pathways have been discovered among different rubber-producing plant species. NR is synthesized and stored in rubber particles, which are specialized organelles comprising a hydrophobic NR core surrounded by a lipid monolayer and membrane-bound proteins. The rubber transferase complex is considered to be the pivotal enzyme involved in catalyzing NR biosynthesis. However, the exact compositions of the RT complex in rubber-producing plants remain elusive and poorly understood. Here, we review the progress of genome sequencing, natural rubber biosynthesis, and the components of the RT complex in rubber-producing plants. We emphasize that identifying the detailed components of the RT complex holds great significance for exploring the mechanism of NR biosynthesis and accelerating molecular breeding in rubber-producing plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingchao Tan
- National Key Laboratory for Biological Breeding of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (Y.T.); (J.C.); (C.T.)
- School of Breeding and Multiplication (Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Hainan University, Sanya 572025, China
- Natural Rubber Cooperative Innovation Center of Hainan Province and Ministry of Education of P.R. China, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Jie Cao
- National Key Laboratory for Biological Breeding of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (Y.T.); (J.C.); (C.T.)
- School of Breeding and Multiplication (Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Hainan University, Sanya 572025, China
- Natural Rubber Cooperative Innovation Center of Hainan Province and Ministry of Education of P.R. China, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Chaorong Tang
- National Key Laboratory for Biological Breeding of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (Y.T.); (J.C.); (C.T.)
- School of Breeding and Multiplication (Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Hainan University, Sanya 572025, China
- Natural Rubber Cooperative Innovation Center of Hainan Province and Ministry of Education of P.R. China, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- Yunnan Institute of Tropical Crops, Xishuangbanna 666100, China
| | - Kaiye Liu
- National Key Laboratory for Biological Breeding of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (Y.T.); (J.C.); (C.T.)
- School of Breeding and Multiplication (Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Hainan University, Sanya 572025, China
- Natural Rubber Cooperative Innovation Center of Hainan Province and Ministry of Education of P.R. China, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liang C, Yan Y, Tan Y, Yang X, Cao J, Tang C, Liu K. Identification of miRNAs and their targets in two Taraxacum species with contrasting rubber-producing ability. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1287318. [PMID: 38023827 PMCID: PMC10663287 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1287318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are widely involved in various aspects of plant growth and development. However, how miRNAs and their targets regulate natural rubber metabolism remains unclear in the rubber-producing dandelions, which are being developed as alternative commercial sources of natural rubber. Here, we combined small RNA sequencing, degradome sequencing, target gene prediction, and mRNA sequencing to identify miRNAs and their targets in two dandelion species, the high rubber-yielding Taraxacum kok-saghyz (Tk) and the low rubber-yielding T. spadiceum (Ts). A total of 142 miRNAs, including 108 known and 34 novel ones, were discovered, with 53 identified as differentially expressed (DE) between the latex of Tk and Ts. Degradome sequencing identified 145 targets corresponding to 74 miRNAs. TAPIR and psRNATarget, respectively, predicted 165 and 164 non-redundant targets for the 53 aforementioned DE miRNAs. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis indicated the DE miRNAs and their targets might affect natural rubber production via regulating macromolecular biosynthesis and metabolism in latex. Four critical types of regulatory modules, including miR172-AP2/ERF, miR164-NAC, miR160-ARF, and miRN19-protein kinase, were identified and their interaction networks were constructed, indicating a potential involvement in natural rubber production. The findings and the large miRNA dataset presented here are beneficial to further deciphering the roles of miRNAs in the biosynthesis of natural rubber and medicinal metabolites in dandelion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cuili Liang
- National Key Laboratory for Biological Breeding of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- College of Tropical Crops, Sanya Nanfan Research Institute of Hainan University, Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Natural Rubber Cooperative Innovation Center of Hainan Province and Ministry of Education of PR China, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Yitong Yan
- National Key Laboratory for Biological Breeding of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- College of Tropical Crops, Sanya Nanfan Research Institute of Hainan University, Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Natural Rubber Cooperative Innovation Center of Hainan Province and Ministry of Education of PR China, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Yingchao Tan
- National Key Laboratory for Biological Breeding of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- College of Tropical Crops, Sanya Nanfan Research Institute of Hainan University, Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Natural Rubber Cooperative Innovation Center of Hainan Province and Ministry of Education of PR China, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Xue Yang
- National Key Laboratory for Biological Breeding of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- College of Tropical Crops, Sanya Nanfan Research Institute of Hainan University, Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Natural Rubber Cooperative Innovation Center of Hainan Province and Ministry of Education of PR China, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Jie Cao
- National Key Laboratory for Biological Breeding of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- College of Tropical Crops, Sanya Nanfan Research Institute of Hainan University, Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Natural Rubber Cooperative Innovation Center of Hainan Province and Ministry of Education of PR China, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Chaorong Tang
- National Key Laboratory for Biological Breeding of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- College of Tropical Crops, Sanya Nanfan Research Institute of Hainan University, Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Natural Rubber Cooperative Innovation Center of Hainan Province and Ministry of Education of PR China, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Yunnan Institute of Tropical Crops, Xishuangbanna, China
| | - Kaiye Liu
- National Key Laboratory for Biological Breeding of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- College of Tropical Crops, Sanya Nanfan Research Institute of Hainan University, Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Natural Rubber Cooperative Innovation Center of Hainan Province and Ministry of Education of PR China, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang H, Fan X, Yu H, Li J, Cui X, Xu X. Characterization of natural rubber concerning its components and molecular weight in Taraxacum kok-saghyz Rodin using pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. J Sep Sci 2023; 46:e2201041. [PMID: 37609805 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.202201041] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Taraxacum kok-saghyz Rodin (TKS) has abundant natural rubber in its root and the molecular weight of its natural rubber is higher than that in Hevea brasiliensis. Thus, TKS is an excellent alternative for the commercial production of natural rubber. The content and molecular weight of natural rubber are two qualitative indicators. Efficient determination for both indicators is still a challenge. In this study, we developed a method to simultaneously determine the content and molecular weight of natural rubber in TKS with pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The content of natural rubber was quantified by internal standard method. We optimized the pyrolysis temperature and chromatographic method during content determination. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.47 and 1.56 μg, respectively. In addition, the arachidonic acid methyl ester, an unsaturated fatty acid proposed from the α-end group of natural rubber, was quantified to obtain the number of natural rubber polymers. Based on the content and the polymer number, we also quantified the molecular weight of natural rubber. Thus, the content and molecular weight of natural rubber were simultaneously determined in TKS. Our study provides a new perspective for the high throughput analysis of natural rubber.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haijing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Sino-Dutch Joint Laboratory of Horticultural Genomics, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuli Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research (Beijing), Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research (Beijing), Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiayang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research (Beijing), Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xia Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Sino-Dutch Joint Laboratory of Horticultural Genomics, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xia Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research (Beijing), Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wolters SM, Benninghaus VA, Roelfs KU, van Deenen N, Twyman RM, Prüfer D, Schulze Gronover C. Overexpression of a pseudo-etiolated-in-light-like protein in Taraxacum koksaghyz leads to a pale green phenotype and enables transcriptome-based network analysis of photomorphogenesis and isoprenoid biosynthesis. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1228961. [PMID: 37841614 PMCID: PMC10569127 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1228961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Plant growth and greening in response to light require the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophylls and carotenoids, which are derived from isoprenoid precursors. In Arabidopsis, the pseudo-etiolated-in-light phenotype is caused by the overexpression of repressor of photosynthetic genes 2 (RPGE2), which regulates chlorophyll synthesis and photosynthetic genes. Methods We investigated a homologous protein in the Russian dandelion (Taraxacum koksaghyz) to determine its influence on the rich isoprenoid network in this species, using a combination of in silico analysis, gene overexpression, transcriptomics and metabolic profiling. Results Homology-based screening revealed a gene designated pseudo-etiolated-in-light-like (TkPEL-like), and in silico analysis identified a light-responsive G-box element in its promoter. TkPEL-like overexpression in dandelion plants and other systems reduced the levels of chlorophylls and carotenoids, but this was ameliorated by the mutation of one or both conserved cysteine residues. Comparative transcriptomics in dandelions overexpressing TkPEL-like showed that genes responsible for the synthesis of isoprenoid precursors and chlorophyll were downregulated, probably explaining the observed pale green leaf phenotype. In contrast, genes responsible for carotenoid synthesis were upregulated, possibly in response to feedback signaling. The evaluation of additional differentially expressed genes revealed interactions between pathways. Discussion We propose that TkPEL-like negatively regulates chlorophyll- and photosynthesis-related genes in a light-dependent manner, which appears to be conserved across species. Our data will inform future studies addressing the regulation of leaf isoprenoid biosynthesis and photomorphogenesis and could be used in future breeding strategies to optimize selected plant isoprenoid profiles and generate suitable plant-based production platforms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silva Melissa Wolters
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Kai-Uwe Roelfs
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Münster, Germany
| | - Nicole van Deenen
- Institute for Biology and Biotechnology of Plants, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Dirk Prüfer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Münster, Germany
- Institute for Biology and Biotechnology of Plants, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kwon M, Hodgins CL, Salama EM, Dias KR, Parikh A, Mackey AV, Catenza KF, Vederas JC, Ro DK. New insights into natural rubber biosynthesis from rubber-deficient lettuce mutants expressing goldenrod or guayule cis-prenyltransferase. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023; 239:1098-1111. [PMID: 37247337 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Lettuce produces natural rubber (NR) with an average Mw of > 1 million Da in laticifers, similar to NR from rubber trees. As lettuce is an annual, self-pollinating, and easily transformable plant, it is an excellent model for molecular genetic studies of NR biosynthesis. CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis was optimized using lettuce hairy roots, and NR-deficient lettuce was generated via bi-allelic mutations in cis-prenyltransferase (CPT). This is the first null mutant of NR deficiency in plants. In the CPT mutant, orthologous CPT counterparts from guayule (Parthenium argentatum) and goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) were expressed under a laticifer-specific promoter to examine how the average Mw of NR is affected. No developmental defects were observed in the NR-deficient mutants. The lettuce mutants expressing guayule and goldenrod CPT produced 1.8 and 14.5 times longer NR, respectively, than the plants of their origin. This suggests that, although goldenrod cannot synthesize a sufficiently lengthy NR, goldenrod CPT has the catalytic competence to produce high-quality NR in the cellular context of lettuce laticifers. Thus, CPT alone does not determine the length of NR. Other factors, such as substrate concentration, additional proteins, and/or the nature of protein complexes including CPT-binding proteins, influence CPT activity in determining NR length.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moonhyuk Kwon
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), ABC-RLRC, PMBBRC, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Korea
| | - Connor L Hodgins
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Eman M Salama
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Kayla R Dias
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Aalap Parikh
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Ashlyn V Mackey
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Karizza F Catenza
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - John C Vederas
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Dae-Kyun Ro
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kuluev B, Uteulin K, Bari G, Baimukhametova E, Musin K, Chemeris A. Molecular Genetic Research and Genetic Engineering of Taraxacum kok-saghyz L.E. Rodin. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1621. [PMID: 37111845 PMCID: PMC10144037 DOI: 10.3390/plants12081621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Natural rubber (NR) remains an indispensable raw material with unique properties that is used in the manufacture of a large number of products and the global demand for it is growing every year. The only industrially important source of NR is the tropical tree Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex A.Juss.) Müll.Arg., thus alternative sources of rubber are required. For the temperate zone, the most suitable source of high quality rubber is the Russian (Kazakh) dandelion Taraxacum kok-saghyz L.E. Rodin (TKS). An obstacle to the widespread industrial cultivation of TKS is its high heterozygosity, poor growth energy, and low competitiveness in the field, as well as inbreeding depression. Rapid cultivation of TKS requires the use of modern technologies of marker-assisted and genomic selection, as well as approaches of genetic engineering and genome editing. This review is devoted to describing the progress in the field of molecular genetics, genomics, and genetic engineering of TKS. Sequencing and annotation of the entire TKS genome made it possible to identify a large number of SNPs, which were subsequently used in genotyping. To date, a total of 90 functional genes have been identified that control the rubber synthesis pathway in TKS. The most important of these proteins are part of the rubber transferase complex and are encoded by eight genes for cis-prenyltransferases (TkCPT), two genes for cis-prenyltransferase-like proteins (TkCPTL), one gene for rubber elongation factor (TkREF), and nine genes for small rubber particle proteins (TkSRPP). In TKS, genes for enzymes of inulin metabolism have also been identified and genome-wide studies of other gene families are also underway. Comparative transcriptomic and proteomic studies of TKS lines with different accumulations of NR are also being carried out, which help to identify genes and proteins involved in the synthesis, regulation, and accumulation of this natural polymer. A number of authors already use the knowledge gained in the genetic engineering of TKS and the main goal of these works is the rapid transformation of the TKS into an economically viable rubber crop. There are no great successes in this area so far, therefore work on genetic transformation and genome editing of TKS should be continued, considering the recent results of genome-wide studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bulat Kuluev
- Institute of Biochemistry and Genetics of UFRC RAS, 71 Pr. Oktyabrya, 450054 Ufa, Russia
| | - Kairat Uteulin
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, St. Timiryazev 45, 050040 Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Gabit Bari
- Laboratory of Microclonal Propagation of Plants, Kazakh National Agrarian Research University, St. Valikhanov 137, 050000 Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Elvina Baimukhametova
- Institute of Biochemistry and Genetics of UFRC RAS, 71 Pr. Oktyabrya, 450054 Ufa, Russia
| | - Khalit Musin
- Institute of Biochemistry and Genetics of UFRC RAS, 71 Pr. Oktyabrya, 450054 Ufa, Russia
| | - Alexey Chemeris
- Institute of Biochemistry and Genetics of UFRC RAS, 71 Pr. Oktyabrya, 450054 Ufa, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhou B, Fang Y, Xiao X, Yang J, Qi J, Qi Q, Fan Y, Tang C. Trehalose 6-Phosphate/SnRK1 Signaling Participates in Harvesting-Stimulated Rubber Production in the Hevea Tree. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:2879. [PMID: 36365332 PMCID: PMC9655858 DOI: 10.3390/plants11212879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Trehalose 6-phosphate (T6P), the intermediate of trehalose biosynthesis and a signaling molecule, affects crop yield via targeting sucrose allocation and utilization. As there have been no reports of T6P signaling affecting secondary metabolism in a crop plant, the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis serves as an ideal model in this regard. Sucrose metabolism critically influences the productivity of natural rubber, a secondary metabolite of industrial importance. Here, we report on the characterization of the T6P synthase (TPS) gene family and the T6P/SNF1-related protein kinase1 (T6P/SnRK1) signaling components in Hevea laticifers under tapping (rubber harvesting), an agronomic manipulation that itself stimulates rubber production. A total of fourteen TPS genes were identified, among which a class II TPS gene, HbTPS5, seemed to have evolved with a function specialized in laticifers. T6P and trehalose increased when the trees were tapped, this being consistent with the observed enhanced activities of TPS and T6P phosphatase (TPP) and expression of an active TPS-encoding gene, HbTPS1. On the other hand, SnRK1 activities decreased, suggesting the inhibition of elevated T6P on SnRK1. Expression profiles of the SnRK1 marker genes coincided with elevated T6P and depressed SnRK1. Interestingly, HbTPS5 expression decreased significantly with the onset of tapping, suggesting a regulatory function in the T6P pathway associated with latex production in laticifers. In brief, transcriptional, enzymatic, and metabolic evidence supports the participation of T6P/SnRK1 signaling in rubber formation, thus providing a possible avenue to increasing the yield of a valuable secondary metabolite by targeting T6P in specific cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Binhui Zhou
- College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- Rubber Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China
| | - Yongjun Fang
- Rubber Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China
| | - Xiaohu Xiao
- Rubber Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China
| | - Jianghua Yang
- Rubber Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China
| | - Jiyan Qi
- College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- Natural Rubber Cooperative Innovation Center of Hainan Province and Ministry of Education of PRC, Haikou 570228, China
- Sanya Nanfan Research Institute of Hainan University, Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya 572025, China
| | - Qi Qi
- College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yujie Fan
- College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- Rubber Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China
| | - Chaorong Tang
- College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- Natural Rubber Cooperative Innovation Center of Hainan Province and Ministry of Education of PRC, Haikou 570228, China
- Sanya Nanfan Research Institute of Hainan University, Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya 572025, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Reconstitution of prenyltransferase activity on nanodiscs by components of the rubber synthesis machinery of the Para rubber tree and guayule. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3734. [PMID: 35260628 PMCID: PMC8904820 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07564-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural rubber of the Para rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) is synthesized as a result of prenyltransferase activity. The proteins HRT1, HRT2, and HRBP have been identified as candidate components of the rubber biosynthetic machinery. To clarify the contribution of these proteins to prenyltransferase activity, we established a cell-free translation system for nanodisc-based protein reconstitution and measured the enzyme activity of the protein-nanodisc complexes. Co-expression of HRT1 and HRBP in the presence of nanodiscs yielded marked polyisoprene synthesis activity. By contrast, neither HRT1, HRT2, or HRBP alone nor a complex of HRT2 and HRBP manifested such activity. Similar analysis of guayule (Parthenium argentatum) proteins revealed that three HRT1 homologs (PaCPT1–3) manifested prenyltransferase activity only when co-expressed with PaCBP, the homolog of HRBP. Our results thus indicate that two heterologous subunits form the core prenyltransferase of the rubber biosynthetic machinery. A recently developed structure modeling program predicted the structure of such heterodimer complexes including HRT1/HRBP and PaCPT2/PaCBP. HRT and PaCPT proteins were also found to possess affinity for a lipid membrane in the absence of HRBP or PaCBP, and structure modeling implicated an amphipathic α-helical domain of HRT1 and PaCPT2 in membrane binding of these proteins.
Collapse
|
11
|
Dinkeloo K, Cantero AM, Paik I, Vulgamott A, Ellington AD, Lloyd A. Genetic transformation technologies for the common dandelion, Taraxacum officinale. PLANT METHODS 2021; 17:59. [PMID: 34107973 PMCID: PMC8191202 DOI: 10.1186/s13007-021-00760-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Taraxacum officinale, or the common dandelion, is a widespread perennial species recognized worldwide as a common lawn and garden weed. Common dandelion is also cultivated for use in teas, as edible greens, and for use in traditional medicine. It produces latex and is closely related to the Russian dandelion, T. kok-saghyz, which is being developed as a rubber crop. Additionally, the vast majority of extant common dandelions reproduce asexually through apomictically derived seeds- an important goal for many major crops in modern agriculture. As such, there is increasing interest in the molecular control of important pathways as well as basic molecular biology and reproduction of common dandelion. RESULTS Here we present an improved Agrobacterium-based genetic transformation and regeneration protocol, a protocol for generation and transformation of protoplasts using free DNA, and a protocol for leaf Agrobacterium infiltration for transient gene expression. These protocols use easily obtainable leaf explants from soil-grown plants and reagents common to most molecular plant laboratories. We show that common markers used in many plant transformation systems function as expected in common dandelion including fluorescent proteins, GUS, and anthocyanin regulation, as well as resistance to kanamycin, Basta, and hygromycin. CONCLUSION Reproducible, stable and transient transformation methods are presented that will allow for needed molecular structure and function studies of genes and proteins in T. officinale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kasia Dinkeloo
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, College of Natural Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
| | - Araceli Maria Cantero
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, College of Natural Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Inyup Paik
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, College of Natural Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Alexa Vulgamott
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, College of Natural Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Andrew D Ellington
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, College of Natural Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Alan Lloyd
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, College of Natural Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Xin S, Hua Y, Li J, Dai X, Yang X, Udayabhanu J, Huang H, Huang T. Comparative analysis of latex transcriptomes reveals the potential mechanisms underlying rubber molecular weight variations between the Hevea brasiliensis clones RRIM600 and Reyan7-33-97. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 21:244. [PMID: 34051757 PMCID: PMC8164328 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-021-03022-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The processabilities and mechanical properties of natural rubber depend greatly on its molecular weight (MW) and molecular weight distribution (MWD). However, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of molecular weight during rubber biosynthesis remain unclear. RESULTS In the present study, we determined the MW and particle size of latex from 1-year-old virgin trees and 30-year-old regularly tapped trees of the Hevea clones Reyan7-33-97 and RRIM600. The results showed that both the MW and the particle size of latex varied between these two clones and increased with tree age. Latex from RRIM600 trees had a smaller average particle size than that from Reyan7-33-97 trees of the same age. In 1-year-old trees, the Reyan7-33-97 latex displayed a slightly higher MW than that of RRIM600, whereas in 30-year-old trees, the RRIM600 latex had a significantly higher MW than the Reyan7-33-97 latex. Comparative analysis of the transcriptome profiles indicated that the average rubber particle size is negatively correlated with the expression levels of rubber particle associated proteins, and that the high-MW traits of latex are closely correlated with the enhanced expression of isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) monomer-generating pathway genes and downstream allylic diphosphate (APP) initiator-consuming non-rubber pathways. By bioinformatics analysis, we further identified a group of transcription factors that potentially regulate the biosynthesis of IPP. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, our results revealed the potential regulatory mechanisms involving gene expression variations in IPP-generating pathways and the non-rubber isoprenoid pathways, which affect the ratios and contents of IPP and APP initiators, resulting in significant rubber MW variations among same-aged trees of the Hevea clones Reyan7-33-97 and RRIM600. Our findings provide a better understanding of rubber biosynthesis and lay the foundation for genetic improvement of rubber quality in H. brasiliensis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shichao Xin
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Rubber Tree, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory Incubation Base for Cultivation & Physiology of Tropical Crops, Rubber Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, P. R. China
| | - Yuwei Hua
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Rubber Tree, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory Incubation Base for Cultivation & Physiology of Tropical Crops, Rubber Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, P. R. China
| | - Ji Li
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Rubber Tree, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory Incubation Base for Cultivation & Physiology of Tropical Crops, Rubber Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, P. R. China
| | - Xuemei Dai
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Rubber Tree, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory Incubation Base for Cultivation & Physiology of Tropical Crops, Rubber Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, P. R. China
| | - Xianfeng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Rubber Tree, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory Incubation Base for Cultivation & Physiology of Tropical Crops, Rubber Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, P. R. China
| | - Jinu Udayabhanu
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Rubber Tree, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory Incubation Base for Cultivation & Physiology of Tropical Crops, Rubber Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, P. R. China
| | - Huasun Huang
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Rubber Tree, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory Incubation Base for Cultivation & Physiology of Tropical Crops, Rubber Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, P. R. China.
| | - Tiandai Huang
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Rubber Tree, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory Incubation Base for Cultivation & Physiology of Tropical Crops, Rubber Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Salomé-Abarca LF, Gođevac D, Kim MS, Hwang GS, Park SC, Jang YP, Van Den Hondel CAMJJ, Verpoorte R, Klinkhamer PGL, Choi YH. Latex Metabolome of Euphorbia Species: Geographical and Inter-Species Variation and its Proposed Role in Plant Defense against Herbivores and Pathogens. J Chem Ecol 2021; 47:564-576. [PMID: 33881708 PMCID: PMC8217033 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-021-01274-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Based on the hypothesis that the variation of the metabolomes of latex is a response to selective pressure and should thus be affected differently from other organs, their variation could provide an insight into the defensive chemical selection of plants. Metabolic profiling was used to compare tissues of three Euphorbia species collected in diverse regions. The metabolic variation of latexes was much more limited than that of other organs. In all the species, the levels of polyisoprenes and terpenes were found to be much higher in latexes than in leaves and roots of the corresponding plants. Polyisoprenes were observed to physically delay the contact of pathogens with plant tissues and their growth. A secondary barrier composed of terpenes in latex and in particular, 24-methylenecycloartanol, exhibited antifungal activity. These results added to the well-known role of enzymes also present in latexes, show that these are part of a cooperative defense system comprising biochemical and physical elements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Francisco Salomé-Abarca
- Natural Products Laboratory, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Dejan Gođevac
- Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, National Institute, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 12-16, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Min Sun Kim
- Food Analysis Center, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju, Republic of Korea
| | - Geum-Sook Hwang
- Integrated Metabolomics Research Group, Western Seoul Center, Korea Basic Science Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Cheol Park
- College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 02447, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Pyo Jang
- College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 02447, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Cees A M J J Van Den Hondel
- Department Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Robert Verpoorte
- Natural Products Laboratory, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter G L Klinkhamer
- Plant Ecology and Phytochemistry, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Young Hae Choi
- Natural Products Laboratory, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE, Leiden, The Netherlands. .,College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 02447, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kajiura H, Yoshizawa T, Tokumoto Y, Suzuki N, Takeno S, Takeno KJ, Yamashita T, Tanaka SI, Kaneko Y, Fujiyama K, Matsumura H, Nakazawa Y. Structure-function studies of ultrahigh molecular weight isoprenes provide key insights into their biosynthesis. Commun Biol 2021; 4:215. [PMID: 33594248 PMCID: PMC7887238 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01739-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Some plant trans-1,4-prenyltransferases (TPTs) produce ultrahigh molecular weight trans-1,4-polyisoprene (TPI) with a molecular weight of over 1.0 million. Although plant-derived TPI has been utilized in various industries, its biosynthesis and physiological function(s) are unclear. Here, we identified three novel Eucommia ulmoides TPT isoforms—EuTPT1, 3, and 5, which synthesized TPI in vitro without other components. Crystal structure analysis of EuTPT3 revealed a dimeric architecture with a central hydrophobic tunnel. Mutation of Cys94 and Ala95 on the central hydrophobic tunnel no longer synthesizd TPI, indicating that Cys94 and Ala95 were essential for forming the dimeric architecture of ultralong-chain TPTs and TPI biosynthesis. A spatiotemporal analysis of the physiological function of TPI in E. ulmoides suggested that it is involved in seed development and maturation. Thus, our analysis provides functional and mechanistic insights into TPI biosynthesis and uncovers biological roles of TPI in plants. Kajiura and Yoshizawa et al. identify three new prenyltransferases in the tree Eucommia ulmoides that synthesize exceptionally high molecular weight trans-1,4-polyisoprene (TPI). Through crystal structure and mutational analyses, they identify key residues required for TPI synthesis and reveal its functional importance in seed development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Kajiura
- International Center for Biotechnology, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.,Technical Research Institute, Hitachi Zosen Corporation, 2-2-11 Funamachi, Taisyo, Osaka, 551-0022, Japan.,Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga, 525-8577, Japan
| | - Takuya Yoshizawa
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga, 525-8577, Japan
| | - Yuji Tokumoto
- Technical Research Institute, Hitachi Zosen Corporation, 2-2-11 Funamachi, Taisyo, Osaka, 551-0022, Japan.,Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nobuaki Suzuki
- Technical Research Institute, Hitachi Zosen Corporation, 2-2-11 Funamachi, Taisyo, Osaka, 551-0022, Japan
| | - Shinya Takeno
- Technical Research Institute, Hitachi Zosen Corporation, 2-2-11 Funamachi, Taisyo, Osaka, 551-0022, Japan
| | - Kanokwan Jumtee Takeno
- Technical Research Institute, Hitachi Zosen Corporation, 2-2-11 Funamachi, Taisyo, Osaka, 551-0022, Japan
| | - Takuya Yamashita
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga, 525-8577, Japan
| | - Shun-Ichi Tanaka
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga, 525-8577, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Kaneko
- Yeast Genetic Resources Lab, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kazuhito Fujiyama
- International Center for Biotechnology, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Matsumura
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga, 525-8577, Japan.
| | - Yoshihisa Nakazawa
- Technical Research Institute, Hitachi Zosen Corporation, 2-2-11 Funamachi, Taisyo, Osaka, 551-0022, Japan. .,Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, 2-1 Minami-josanjima, Tokushima, 770-8513, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Combinatorial Metabolic Engineering in Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the Enhanced Production of the FPP-Derived Sesquiterpene Germacrene. Bioengineering (Basel) 2020; 7:bioengineering7040135. [PMID: 33114339 PMCID: PMC7712416 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering7040135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Farnesyl diphosphate (FPP)-derived isoprenoids represent a diverse group of plant secondary metabolites with great economic potential. To enable their efficient production in the heterologous host Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we refined a metabolic engineering strategy using the CRISPR/Cas9 system with the aim of increasing the availability of FPP for downstream reactions. The strategy included the overexpression of mevalonate pathway (MVA) genes, the redirection of metabolic flux towards desired product formation and the knockout of genes responsible for competitive reactions. Following the optimisation of culture conditions, the availability of the improved FPP biosynthesis for downstream reactions was demonstrated by the expression of a germacrene synthase from dandelion. Subsequently, biosynthesis of significant amounts of germacrene-A was observed in the most productive strain compared to the wild type. Thus, the presented strategy is an excellent tool to increase FPP-derived isoprenoid biosynthesis in yeast.
Collapse
|
16
|
Ganesh I, Choi SC, Bae SW, Park JC, Ryu SB. Heterologous activation of the Hevea PEP16 promoter in the rubber-producing laticiferous tissues of Taraxacum kok-saghyz. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10844. [PMID: 32616731 PMCID: PMC7331677 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67328-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hevea brasiliensis, the most abundant rubber crop, is used widely for the commercial production of natural rubber. To reduce the risk of a shortage in the supply of natural rubber that may arise from a single major rubber crop, rubber dandelion (Taraxacum kok-saghyz) has been developed as an alternative rubber-producing crop by using a transgenic approach. However, it is necessary to identify a suitable promoter for the transfer of rubber biosynthesis-related genes to the species. In this study, the promoter region of H. brasiliensis PEP16, which was isolated as a potentially important component in rubber biosynthesis, was sequenced and a pPEP16::GUS fusion construct was introduced into T. kok-saghyz. Histological and fluorometric studies using transgenic T. kok-saghyz plants indicated that the HbPEP16 promoter was highly activated in a laticiferous tissue-specific manner under normal growth conditions and that promoter activation was tightly regulated by various hormones and external signals. These findings suggested that the HbPEP16 promoter may be a useful molecular tool for the manipulation of gene expression in the laticiferous tissues of T. kok-saghyz.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irisappan Ganesh
- Plant Systems Engineering Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.,Research & Development Center, DRB Holding Co. LTD, Busan, Republic of Korea.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Chul Choi
- Plant Systems Engineering Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Woo Bae
- Plant Systems Engineering Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.,Division of Bioengineering, KRIBB School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Chan Park
- Plant Systems Engineering Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Stephen Beungtae Ryu
- Plant Systems Engineering Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea. .,Division of Bioengineering, KRIBB School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
Natural rubber (NR), principally comprising cis-1,4-polyisoprene, is an industrially important natural hydrocarbon polymer because of its unique physical properties, which render it suitable for manufacturing items such as tires. Presently, industrial NR production depends solely on latex obtained from the Pará rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis. In latex, NR is enclosed in rubber particles, which are specialized organelles comprising a hydrophobic NR core surrounded by a lipid monolayer and membrane-bound proteins. The similarity of the basic carbon skeleton structure between NR and dolichols and polyprenols, which are found in most organisms, suggests that the NR biosynthetic pathway is related to the polyisoprenoid biosynthetic pathway and that rubber transferase, which is the key enzyme in NR biosynthesis, belongs to the cis-prenyltransferase family. Here, we review recent progress in the elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying NR biosynthesis through the identification of the enzymes that are responsible for the formation of the NR backbone structure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Yamashita
- Department of Material Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Kakuma, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan;
| | - Seiji Takahashi
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan;
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Benninghaus VA, van Deenen N, Müller B, Roelfs KU, Lassowskat I, Finkemeier I, Prüfer D, Schulze Gronover C. Comparative proteome and metabolome analyses of latex-exuding and non-exuding Taraxacum koksaghyz roots provide insights into laticifer biology. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2020; 71:1278-1293. [PMID: 31740929 PMCID: PMC7031084 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erz512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Taraxacum koksaghyz has been identified as one of the most promising alternative rubber crops. Its high-quality rubber is produced in the latex of laticifers, a specialized cell type that is organized in a network of elongated tubules throughout the entire plant body. In order to gain insights into the physiological role(s) of latex and hence laticifer biology, we examine the effects of barnase-induced latex RNA degradation on the metabolite and protein compositions in the roots. We established high-quality datasets that enabled precise discrimination between cellular and physiological processes in laticifers and non-laticifer cell types of roots at different vegetative stages. We identified numerous latex-specific proteins, including a perilipin-like protein that has not been studied in plants yet. The barnase-expressing plants revealed a phenotype that did not exude latex, which may provide a valuable genetic basis for future studies of plant-environment interactions concerning latex and also help to clarify the evolution and arbitrary distribution of latex throughout the plant kingdom. The overview of temporal changes in composition and protein abundance provided by our data opens the way for a deeper understanding of the molecular interactions, reactions, and network relationships that underlie the different metabolic pathways in the roots of this potential rubber crop.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicole van Deenen
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Boje Müller
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, IME, Muenster, Germany
| | - Kai-Uwe Roelfs
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, IME, Muenster, Germany
| | - Ines Lassowskat
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Iris Finkemeier
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Dirk Prüfer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, IME, Muenster, Germany
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Niephaus E, Müller B, van Deenen N, Lassowskat I, Bonin M, Finkemeier I, Prüfer D, Schulze Gronover C. Uncovering mechanisms of rubber biosynthesis in Taraxacum koksaghyz - role of cis-prenyltransferase-like 1 protein. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 100:591-609. [PMID: 31342578 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.14471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2018] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The Russian dandelion Taraxacum koksaghyz synthesizes considerable amounts of high-molecular-weight rubber in its roots. The characterization of factors that participate in natural rubber biosynthesis is fundamental for the establishment of T. koksaghyz as a rubber crop. The cis-1,4-isoprene polymers are stored in rubber particles. Located at the particle surface, the rubber transferase complex, member of the cis-prenyltransferase (cisPT) enzyme family, catalyzes the elongation of the rubber chains. An active rubber transferase heteromer requires a cisPT subunit (CPT) as well as a CPT-like subunit (CPTL), of which T. koksaghyz has two homologous forms: TkCPTL1 and TkCPTL2, which potentially associate with the rubber transferase complex. Knockdown of TkCPTL1, which is predominantly expressed in latex, led to abolished poly(cis-1,4-isoprene) synthesis but unaffected dolichol content, whereas levels of triterpenes and inulin were elevated in roots. Analyses of latex from these TkCPTL1-RNAi plants revealed particles that were similar to native rubber particles regarding their particle size, phospholipid composition, and presence of small rubber particle proteins (SRPPs). We found that the particles encapsulated triterpenes in a phospholipid shell stabilized by SRPPs. Conversely, downregulating the low-expressed TkCPTL2 showed no altered phenotype, suggesting its protein function is redundant in T. koksaghyz. MS-based comparison of latex proteomes from TkCPTL1-RNAi plants and T. koksaghyz wild-types discovered putative factors that convert metabolites in biosynthetic pathways connected to isoprenoids or that synthesize components of the rubber particle shell.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Niephaus
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Münster, Germany
| | - Boje Müller
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Münster, Germany
| | - Nicole van Deenen
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Ines Lassowskat
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Bonin
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Iris Finkemeier
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Dirk Prüfer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Münster, Germany
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Cherian S, Ryu SB, Cornish K. Natural rubber biosynthesis in plants, the rubber transferase complex, and metabolic engineering progress and prospects. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2019; 17:2041-2061. [PMID: 31150158 PMCID: PMC6790360 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Natural rubber (NR) is a nonfungible and valuable biopolymer, used to manufacture ~50 000 rubber products, including tires and medical gloves. Current production of NR is derived entirely from the para rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). The increasing demand for NR, coupled with limitations and vulnerability of H. brasiliensis production systems, has induced increasing interest among scientists and companies in potential alternative NR crops. Genetic/metabolic pathway engineering approaches, to generate NR-enriched genotypes of alternative NR plants, are of great importance. However, although our knowledge of rubber biochemistry has significantly advanced, our current understanding of NR biosynthesis, the biosynthetic machinery and the molecular mechanisms involved remains incomplete. Two spatially separated metabolic pathways provide precursors for NR biosynthesis in plants and their genes and enzymes/complexes are quite well understood. In contrast, understanding of the proteins and genes involved in the final step(s)-the synthesis of the high molecular weight rubber polymer itself-is only now beginning to emerge. In this review, we provide a critical evaluation of recent research developments in NR biosynthesis, in vitro reconstitution, and the genetic and metabolic pathway engineering advances intended to improve NR content in plants, including H. brasiliensis, two other prospective alternative rubber crops, namely the rubber dandelion and guayule, and model species, such as lettuce. We describe a new model of the rubber transferase complex, which integrates these developments. In addition, we highlight the current challenges in NR biosynthesis research and future perspectives on metabolic pathway engineering of NR to speed alternative rubber crop commercial development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sam Cherian
- Plant Systems Engineering Research CentreKorea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB)Yuseong‐guDaejeonKorea
- Research & Development CenterDRB Holding Co. LTDBusanKorea
| | - Stephen Beungtae Ryu
- Plant Systems Engineering Research CentreKorea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB)Yuseong‐guDaejeonKorea
- Department of Biosystems and BioengineeringKRIBB School of BiotechnologyKorea University of Science and Technology (UST)DaejeonKorea
| | - Katrina Cornish
- Department of Horticulture and Crop ScienceThe Ohio State UniversityWoosterOHUSA
- Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological EngineeringThe Ohio State UniversityWoosterOHUSA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Xie Q, Ding G, Zhu L, Yu L, Yuan B, Gao X, Wang D, Sun Y, Liu Y, Li H, Wang X. Proteomic Landscape of the Mature Roots in a Rubber-Producing Grass Taraxacum Kok-saghyz. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20102596. [PMID: 31137823 PMCID: PMC6566844 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20102596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The rubber grass Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TKS) contains large amounts of natural rubber (cis-1,4-polyisoprene) in its enlarged roots and it is an alternative crop source of natural rubber. Natural rubber biosynthesis (NRB) and storage in the mature roots of TKS is a cascade process involving many genes, proteins and their cofactors. The TKS genome has just been annotated and many NRB-related genes have been determined. However, there is limited knowledge about the protein regulation mechanism for NRB in TKS roots. We identified 371 protein species from the mature roots of TKS by combining two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and mass spectrometry (MS). Meanwhile, a large-scale shotgun analysis of proteins in TKS roots at the enlargement stage was performed, and 3545 individual proteins were determined. Subsequently, all identified proteins from 2-DE gel and shotgun MS in TKS roots were subject to gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses and most proteins were involved in carbon metabolic process with catalytic activity in membrane-bounded organelles, followed by proteins with binding ability, transportation and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis activities. Fifty-eight NRB-related proteins, including eight small rubber particle protein (SRPP) and two rubber elongation factor(REF) members, were identified from the TKS roots, and these proteins were involved in both mevalonate acid (MVA) and methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathways. To our best knowledge, it is the first high-resolution draft proteome map of the mature TKS roots. Our proteomics of TKS roots revealed both MVA and MEP pathways are important for NRB, and SRPP might be more important than REF for NRB in TKS roots. These findings would not only deepen our understanding of the TKS root proteome, but also provide new evidence on the roles of these NRB-related proteins in the mature TKS roots.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quanliang Xie
- Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Phytomedicine Resource and Utilization of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, China.
- Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou 571158, Hainan, China.
| | - Guohua Ding
- Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou 571158, Hainan, China.
| | - Liping Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Phytomedicine Resource and Utilization of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, China.
- Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou 571158, Hainan, China.
| | - Li Yu
- Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Phytomedicine Resource and Utilization of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, China.
- Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou 571158, Hainan, China.
| | - Boxuan Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Phytomedicine Resource and Utilization of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, China.
- Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou 571158, Hainan, China.
| | - Xuan Gao
- Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Phytomedicine Resource and Utilization of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, China.
| | - Dan Wang
- Institute of Tropical Biosciences and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, Hainan, China.
| | - Yong Sun
- Institute of Tropical Biosciences and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, Hainan, China.
| | - Yang Liu
- Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou 571158, Hainan, China.
| | - Hongbin Li
- Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Phytomedicine Resource and Utilization of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, China.
| | - Xuchu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Phytomedicine Resource and Utilization of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, China.
- Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou 571158, Hainan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Loss of function mutation of the Rapid Alkalinization Factor (RALF1)-like peptide in the dandelion Taraxacum koksaghyz entails a high-biomass taproot phenotype. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217454. [PMID: 31125376 PMCID: PMC6534333 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Russian dandelion (Taraxacum koksaghyz) is a promising source of inulin and natural rubber because large amounts of both feedstocks can be extracted from its roots. However, the domestication of T. koksaghyz requires the development of stable agronomic traits such as higher yields of inulin and natural rubber, a higher root biomass, and an agronomically preferable root morphology which is more suitable for cultivation and harvesting. Arabidopsis thaliana Rapid Alkalinisation Factor 1 (RALF1) has been shown to suppress root growth. We identified the T. koksaghyz orthologue TkRALF-like 1 and knocked out the corresponding gene (TkRALFL1) using the CRISPR/Cas9 system to determine its impact on root morphology, biomass, and inulin and natural rubber yields. The TkRALFL1 knockout lines more frequently developed a taproot phenotype which is easier to cultivate and harvest, as well as a higher root biomass and greater yields of both inulin and natural rubber. The TkRALFL1 gene could therefore be suitable as a genetic marker to support the breeding of profitable new dandelion varieties with improved agronomic traits. To our knowledge, this is the first study addressing the root system of T. koksaghyz to enhance the agronomic performance.
Collapse
|
23
|
Lakusta AM, Kwon M, Kwon EJG, Stonebloom S, Scheller HV, Ro DK. Molecular Studies of the Protein Complexes Involving Cis-Prenyltransferase in Guayule ( Parthenium argentatum), an Alternative Rubber-Producing Plant. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:165. [PMID: 30858856 PMCID: PMC6397875 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.00165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Guayule (Parthenium argentatum) is a perennial shrub in the Asteraceae family and synthesizes a high quality, hypoallergenic cis-1,4-polyisoprene (or natural rubber; NR). Despite its potential to be an alternative NR supplier, the enzymes for cis-polyisoprene biosynthesis have not been comprehensively studied in guayule. Recently, implications of the protein complex involving cis-prenyltransferases (CPTs) and CPT-Binding Proteins (CBPs) in NR biosynthesis were shown in lettuce and dandelion, but such protein complexes have yet to be examined in guayule. Here, we identified four guayule genes - three PaCPTs (PaCPT1-3) and one PaCBP, whose protein products organize PaCPT/PaCBP complexes. Co-expression of both PaCBP and each of the PaCPTs could complemented the dolichol (a short cis-polyisoprene)-deficient yeast, whereas the individual expressions could not. Microsomes from the PaCPT/PaCBP-expressing yeast efficiently incorporated 14C-isopentenyl diphosphate into dehydrodolichyl diphosphates; however, NR with high molecular weight could not be synthesized in in vitro assays. Furthermore, co-immunoprecipitation and split-ubiquitin yeast 2-hybrid assays using PaCPTs and PaCBP confirmed the formation of protein complexes. Of the three PaCPTs, guayule transcriptomics analysis indicated that the PaCPT3 is predominantly expressed in stem and induced by cold-stress, suggesting its involvement in NR biosynthesis. The comprehensive analyses of these PaCPTs and PaCBP here provide the foundational knowledge to generate a high NR-yielding guayule.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam M. Lakusta
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Moonhyuk Kwon
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Plus), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center, College of Natural Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Eun-Joo G. Kwon
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Solomon Stonebloom
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, Emeryville, CA, United States
| | - Henrik V. Scheller
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, Emeryville, CA, United States
| | - Dae-Kyun Ro
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Men X, Wang F, Chen GQ, Zhang HB, Xian M. Biosynthesis of Natural Rubber: Current State and Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 20:E50. [PMID: 30583567 PMCID: PMC6337083 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20010050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural rubber is a kind of indispensable biopolymers with great use and strategic importance in human society. However, its production relies almost exclusively on rubber-producing plants Hevea brasiliensis, which have high requirements for growth conditions, and the mechanism of natural rubber biosynthesis remains largely unknown. In the past two decades, details of the rubber chain polymerization and proteins involved in natural rubber biosynthesis have been investigated intensively. Meanwhile, omics and other advanced biotechnologies bring new insight into rubber production and development of new rubber-producing plants. This review summarizes the achievements of the past two decades in understanding the biosynthesis of natural rubber, especially the massive information obtained from the omics analyses. Possibilities of natural rubber biosynthesis in vitro or in genetically engineered microorganisms are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Men
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biobased Materials, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.189 Songling Road, Laoshan District, Qingdao 266101, China.
| | - Fan Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biobased Materials, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.189 Songling Road, Laoshan District, Qingdao 266101, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Guo-Qiang Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biobased Materials, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.189 Songling Road, Laoshan District, Qingdao 266101, China.
| | - Hai-Bo Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biobased Materials, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.189 Songling Road, Laoshan District, Qingdao 266101, China.
| | - Mo Xian
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biobased Materials, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.189 Songling Road, Laoshan District, Qingdao 266101, China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Panara F, Lopez L, Daddiego L, Fantini E, Facella P, Perrotta G. Comparative transcriptomics between high and low rubber producing Taraxacum kok-saghyz R. plants. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:875. [PMID: 30514210 PMCID: PMC6280347 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-5287-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Taraxacum kok-saghyz R. (Tks) is a promising alternative species to Hevea brasiliensis for production of high quality natural rubber (NR). A comparative transcriptome analysis of plants with differential production of NR will contribute to elucidate which genes are involved in the synthesis, regulation and accumulation of this natural polymer and could help to develop Tks into a rubber crop. Results We measured rubber content in the latex of 90 individual Tks plants from 9 accessions, observing a high degree of variability. We carried out de novo root transcriptome sequencing, assembly, annotation and comparison of gene expression of plants with the lower (LR plants) and the higher rubber content (HR plants). The transcriptome analysis also included one plant that did not expel latex, in principle depleted of latex transcripts. Moreover, the transcription of some genes well known to play a major role in rubber biosynthesis, was probed by qRT-PCR. Our analysis showed a high modulation of genes involved in the synthesis of NR between LR and HR plants, and evidenced that genes involved in sesquiterpenoids, monoterpenoids and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis are upregulated in LR plants. Conclusions Our results show that a higher amount of rubber in the latex in HR plants is positively correlated with high expression levels of a number of genes directly involved in rubber synthesis showing that NR production is highly controlled at transcriptional level. On the other hand, lower amounts of rubber in LR plants is related with higher expression of genes involved in the synthesis of other secondary metabolites that, we hypothesize, may compete towards NR biosynthesis. This dataset represents a fundamental genomic resource for the study of Tks and the comprehension of the synthesis of NR and other biochemically and pharmacologically relevant compounds in the Taraxacum genus. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-5287-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Panara
- Trisaia Research Center, ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, MT, 75026, Rotondella, Italy
| | - Loredana Lopez
- Trisaia Research Center, ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, MT, 75026, Rotondella, Italy
| | - Loretta Daddiego
- Trisaia Research Center, ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, MT, 75026, Rotondella, Italy
| | - Elio Fantini
- Trisaia Research Center, ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, MT, 75026, Rotondella, Italy
| | - Paolo Facella
- Trisaia Research Center, ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, MT, 75026, Rotondella, Italy.
| | - Gaetano Perrotta
- Trisaia Research Center, ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, MT, 75026, Rotondella, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Cornish K, Scott DJ, Xie W, Mau CJD, Zheng YF, Liu XH, Prestwich GD. Unusual subunits are directly involved in binding substrates for natural rubber biosynthesis in multiple plant species. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2018; 156:55-72. [PMID: 30195165 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2018.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Rubber particles from rubber-producing plant species have many different species-specific proteins bound to their external monolayer biomembranes. To date, identification of those proteins directly involved in enzymatic catalysis of rubber polymerization has not been fully accomplished using solubilization, purification or reconstitution approaches. In an alternative approach, we use several tritiated photoaffinity-labeled benzophenone analogs of the allylic pyrophosphate substrates, required by rubber transferase (RT-ase) to initiate the synthesis of new rubber molecules, to identify the proteins involved in catalysis. Enzymatically-active rubber particles were purified from three phylogenetically-distant rubber producing species, Parthenium argentatum Gray, Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg, and Ficus elastica Roxb., each representing a different Superorder of the Dicotyledonae. Geranyl pyrophosphate with the benzophenone in the para position (Bz-GPP(p)) was the most active initiator of rubber biosynthesis in all three species. When rubber particles were exposed to ultra-violet radiation, 95% of RT-ase activity was eliminated in the presence of 50 μΜ Bz-GPP(p), compared to only 50% of activity in the absence of this analog. 3H-Bz-GPP(p) then was used to label and identify the proteins involved in substrate binding and these proteins were characterized electrophoretically. In all three species, three distinct proteins were labeled, one very large protein and two very small proteins, as follows: P. argentatum 287,000, 3,990, and 1,790 Da; H. brasiliensis 241,000, 3,650 and 1,600 Da; F. elastica 360,000, 3,900 and 1,800 Da. The isoelectric points of the P. argentatum proteins were 7.6 for the 287,000 Da, 10.4 for the 3,990 Da and 3.5 for the 1,790 Da proteins, and of the F. elastica proteins were 7.7 for the 360,000 Da, 6,0 for the 3,900 Da, and 11.0 for the 1,800 Da proteins. H. brasiliensis protein pI values were not determined. Additional analysis indicated that the three proteins are components of a membrane-bound complex and that the ratio of each small protein to the large one is 3:1, and the large protein exists as a dimer. Also, the large proteins are membrane bound whereas both small proteins are strongly associated with the large proteins, rather than to the rubber particle proteolipid membrane.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Cornish
- USDA-ARS Western Regional Research Center, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710, USA; Center of Applied Plant Sciences, Institute of Materials Research, Institute of Humanitarian Engineering, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, USA.
| | - Deborah J Scott
- USDA-ARS Western Regional Research Center, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710, USA
| | - Wenshuang Xie
- USDA-ARS Western Regional Research Center, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710, USA
| | - Christopher J D Mau
- USDA-ARS Western Regional Research Center, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710, USA
| | - Yi Feng Zheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, The University of Utah, South 2000 East, Rm. 307, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Xiao-Hui Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, The University of Utah, South 2000 East, Rm. 307, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Glenn D Prestwich
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, The University of Utah, South 2000 East, Rm. 307, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Amerik AY, Martirosyan YT, Gachok IV. Regulation of Natural Rubber Biosynthesis by Proteins Associated with Rubber Particles. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2018. [DOI: 10.1134/s106816201801003x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
28
|
Guo D, Yang ZP, Li HL, Wang Y, Zhu JH, Peng SQ. The 14-3-3 protein HbGF14a interacts with a RING zinc finger protein to regulate expression of the rubber transferase gene in Hevea brasiliensis. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2018; 69:1903-1912. [PMID: 29432591 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/ery049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Hevea brasiliensis is a key commercial source of natural rubber (cis 1,4-polyisoprene). In H. brasiliensis, rubber transferase is responsible for cis-1,4-polymerization of isoprene units from isopentenyl diphosphate and thus affects the yield of rubber. Little is known about the regulatory mechanisms of the rubber transferase gene at a molecular level. In this study we show that the 5'UTR intron of the promoter of the rubber transferase gene (HRT2) suppresses the expression of HRT2. A H. brasiliensis RING zinc finger protein (designated as HbRZFP1) was able to interact specifically with the HRT2 promoter to down-regulate its transcription in vivo. A 14-3-3 protein (named as HbGF14a) was identified as interacting with HbRZFP1, both in yeast and in planta. Transient co-expression of HbGF14a and HbRZFP1-encoding cDNAs resulted in HbRZFP1-mediated HRT2 transcription inhibition being relieved. HbGF14a repressed the protein-DNA binding of HbRZFP1 with the HRT2 promoter in yeast. We propose a regulatory mechanism by which the binding of HbGF14a to HbRZFP1 interferes with the interaction of HbRZFP1 with the HRT2 promoter, thereby repressing the protein-DNA binding between them. This study provides new insights into the role of HbGF14a in mediating expression of the rubber transferase gene in Hevea brasiliensis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Guo
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Tropical Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Zi-Ping Yang
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Tropical Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Tropical Crop Genetic Improvement Key Laboratory of Zhanjiang, South Subtropical Crop Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Hui-Liang Li
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Tropical Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Tropical Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Jia-Hong Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Tropical Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Shi-Qing Peng
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Tropical Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, Hainan, China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Analysis of the first Taraxacum kok-saghyz transcriptome reveals potential rubber yield related SNPs. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9939. [PMID: 28855528 PMCID: PMC5577190 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09034-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TK) is a potential alternative crop for natural rubber (NR) production, due to its high molecular weight rubber, short breeding cycle, and diverse environmental adaptation. However, improvements in rubber yield and agronomically relevant traits are still required before it can become a commercially-viable crop. An RNA-Seq based transcriptome was developed from a pool of roots from genotypes with high and low rubber yield. A total of 55,532 transcripts with lengths over 200 bp were de novo assembled. As many as 472 transcripts were significantly homologous to 49 out of 50 known plant putative rubber biosynthesis related genes. 158 transcripts were significantly differentially expressed between high rubber and low rubber genotypes. 21,036 SNPs were different in high and low rubber TK genotypes. Among these, 50 SNPs were found within 39 transcripts highly homologous to 49 publically-searched rubber biosynthesis related genes. 117 SNPs were located within 36 of the differentially expressed gene sequences. This comprehensive TK transcriptomic reference, and large set of SNPs including putative exonic markers associated with rubber related gene homologues and differentially expressed genes, provides a solid foundation for further genetic dissection of rubber related traits, comparative genomics and marker-assisted selection for the breeding of TK.
Collapse
|
30
|
Genome analysis of Taraxacum kok-saghyz Rodin provides new insights into rubber biosynthesis. Natl Sci Rev 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwx101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
|
31
|
Nguyen NQ, Lee SC, Tae-Jin Yang, Lee OR. cis-Prenyltransferase interacts with a Nogo-B receptor homolog for dolichol biosynthesis in Panax ginseng Meyer. J Ginseng Res 2017; 41:403-410. [PMID: 28701884 PMCID: PMC5489763 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2017.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prenyltransferases catalyze the sequential addition of isopentenyl diphosphate units to allylic prenyl diphosphate acceptors and are classified as either trans-prenyltransferases (TPTs) or cis-prenyltransferases (CPTs). The functions of CPTs have been well characterized in bacteria, yeast, and mammals compared to plants. The characterization of CPTs also has been less studied than TPTs. In the present study, molecular cloning and functional characterization of a CPT from a medicinal plant, Panax ginseng Mayer were addressed. Methods Gene expression patterns of PgCPT1 were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. In planta transformation was generated by floral dipping using Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Yeast transformation was performed by lithium acetate and heat-shock for rer2Δ complementation and yeast-two-hybrid assay. Results The ginseng genome contains at least one family of three putative CPT genes. PgCPT1 is expressed in all organs, but more predominantly in the leaves. Overexpression of PgCPT1 did not show any plant growth defect, and its protein can complement yeast mutant rer2Δ via possible protein–protein interaction with PgCPTL2. Conclusion Partial complementation of the yeast dolichol biosynthesis mutant rer2Δ suggested that PgCPT1 is involved in dolichol biosynthesis. Direct protein interaction between PgCPT1 and a human Nogo-B receptor homolog suggests that PgCPT1 requires an accessory component for proper function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ngoc Quy Nguyen
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Choon Lee
- Department of Plant Science, Plant Genomics and Breeding Institute, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Jin Yang
- Department of Plant Science, Plant Genomics and Breeding Institute, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ok Ran Lee
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Stolze A, Wanke A, van Deenen N, Geyer R, Prüfer D, Schulze Gronover C. Development of rubber-enriched dandelion varieties by metabolic engineering of the inulin pathway. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2017; 15:740-753. [PMID: 27885764 PMCID: PMC5425391 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Natural rubber (NR) is an important raw material for a large number of industrial products. The primary source of NR is the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis, but increased worldwide demand means that alternative sustainable sources are urgently required. The Russian dandelion (Taraxacum koksaghyz Rodin) is such an alternative because large amounts of NR are produced in its root system. However, rubber biosynthesis must be improved to develop T. koksaghyz into a commercially feasible crop. In addition to NR, T. koksaghyz also produces large amounts of the reserve carbohydrate inulin, which is stored in parenchymal root cell vacuoles near the phloem, adjacent to apoplastically separated laticifers. In contrast to NR, which accumulates throughout the year even during dormancy, inulin is synthesized during the summer and is degraded from the autumn onwards when root tissues undergo a sink-to-source transition. We carried out a comprehensive analysis of inulin and NR metabolism in T. koksaghyz and its close relative T. brevicorniculatum and functionally characterized the key enzyme fructan 1-exohydrolase (1-FEH), which catalyses the degradation of inulin to fructose and sucrose. The constitutive overexpression of Tk1-FEH almost doubled the rubber content in the roots of two dandelion species without any trade-offs in terms of plant fitness. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing that energy supplied by the reserve carbohydrate inulin can be used to promote the synthesis of NR in dandelions, providing a basis for the breeding of rubber-enriched varieties for industrial rubber production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Stolze
- Institute of Plant Biology and BiotechnologyUniversity of MuensterMuensterGermany
| | - Alan Wanke
- Institute of Plant Biology and BiotechnologyUniversity of MuensterMuensterGermany
| | - Nicole van Deenen
- Institute of Plant Biology and BiotechnologyUniversity of MuensterMuensterGermany
| | | | - Dirk Prüfer
- Institute of Plant Biology and BiotechnologyUniversity of MuensterMuensterGermany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME)MuensterGermany
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Pütter KM, van Deenen N, Unland K, Prüfer D, Schulze Gronover C. Isoprenoid biosynthesis in dandelion latex is enhanced by the overexpression of three key enzymes involved in the mevalonate pathway. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2017; 17:88. [PMID: 28532507 PMCID: PMC5441070 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-017-1036-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Latex from the dandelion species Taraxacum brevicorniculatum contains many high-value isoprenoid end products, e.g. triterpenes and polyisoprenes such as natural rubber. The isopentenyl pyrophosphate units required as precursors for these isoprenoids are provided by the mevalonate (MVA) pathway. The key enzyme in this pathway is 3-hydroxy-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) and its activity has been thoroughly characterized in many plant species including dandelion. However, two enzymes acting upstream of HMGR have not been characterized in dandelion latex: ATP citrate lyase (ACL), which provides the acetyl-CoA utilized in the MVA pathway, and acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase (AACT), which catalyzes the first step in the pathway to produce acetoacetyl-CoA. Here we isolated ACL and AACT genes from T. brevicorniculatum latex and characterized their expression profiles. We also overexpressed the well-characterized HMGR, ACL and AACT genes from Arabidopsis thaliana in T. brevicorniculatum to determine their impact on isoprenoid end products in the latex. RESULTS The spatial and temporal expression profiles of T. brevicorniculatum ACL and AACT revealed their pivotal role in the synthesis of precursors necessary for isoprenoid biosynthesis in latex. The overexpression of A. thaliana ACL and AACT and HMGR in T. brevicorniculatum latex resulted in the accumulation of all three enzymes, increased the corresponding enzymatic activities and ultimately increased sterol levels by ~5-fold and pentacyclic triterpene and cis-1,4-isoprene levels by ~2-fold. Remarkably high levels of the triterpene precursor squalene were also detected in the triple-transgenic lines (up to 32 mg/g root dry weight) leading to the formation of numerous lipid droplets which were observed in root cross-sections. CONCLUSIONS We could show the effective expression of up to three transgenes in T. brevicorniculatum latex which led to increased enzymatic activity and resulted in high level squalene accumulation in the dandelion roots up to an industrially relevant amount. Our data provide insight into the regulation of the MVA pathway in dandelion latex and can be used as a basis for metabolic engineering to enhance the production of isoprenoid end products in this specialized tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katharina M. Pütter
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Muenster, Germany
| | - Nicole van Deenen
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Muenster, Germany
| | - Kristina Unland
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Muenster, Germany
| | - Dirk Prüfer
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Muenster, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Muenster, Germany
| | - Christian Schulze Gronover
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Muenster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Zhang Y, Iaffaldano BJ, Zhuang X, Cardina J, Cornish K. Chloroplast genome resources and molecular markers differentiate rubber dandelion species from weedy relatives. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2017; 17:34. [PMID: 28152978 PMCID: PMC5289045 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-016-0967-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rubber dandelion (Taraxacum kok-saghyz, TK) is being developed as a domestic source of natural rubber to meet increasing global demand. However, the domestication of TK is complicated by its colocation with two weedy dandelion species, Taraxacum brevicorniculatum (TB) and the common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale, TO). TB is often present as a seed contaminant within TK accessions, while TO is a pandemic weed, which may have the potential to hybridize with TK. To discriminate these species at the molecular level, and facilitate gene flow studies between the potential rubber crop, TK, and its weedy relatives, we generated genomic and marker resources for these three dandelion species. RESULTS Complete chloroplast genome sequences of TK (151,338 bp), TO (151,299 bp), and TB (151,282 bp) were obtained using the Illumina GAII and MiSeq platforms. Chloroplast sequences were analyzed and annotated for all the three species. Phylogenetic analysis within Asteraceae showed that TK has a closer genetic distance to TB than to TO and Taraxacum species were most closely related to lettuce (Lactuca sativa). By sequencing multiple genotypes for each species and testing variants using gel-based methods, four chloroplast Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) variants were found to be fixed between TK and TO in large populations, and between TB and TO. Additionally, Expressed Sequence Tag (EST) resources developed for TO and TK permitted the identification of five nuclear species-specific SNP markers. CONCLUSIONS The availability of chloroplast genomes of these three dandelion species, as well as chloroplast and nuclear molecular markers, will provide a powerful genetic resource for germplasm differentiation and purification, and the study of potential gene flow among Taraxacum species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingxiao Zhang
- Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, 1680 Madison Avenue, Wooster, OH 44691 USA
| | - Brian J. Iaffaldano
- Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, 1680 Madison Avenue, Wooster, OH 44691 USA
| | - Xiaofeng Zhuang
- Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, 1680 Madison Avenue, Wooster, OH 44691 USA
| | - John Cardina
- Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, 1680 Madison Avenue, Wooster, OH 44691 USA
| | - Katrina Cornish
- Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, 1680 Madison Avenue, Wooster, OH 44691 USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Yamashita S, Yamaguchi H, Waki T, Aoki Y, Mizuno M, Yanbe F, Ishii T, Funaki A, Tozawa Y, Miyagi-Inoue Y, Fushihara K, Nakayama T, Takahashi S. Identification and reconstitution of the rubber biosynthetic machinery on rubber particles from Hevea brasiliensis. eLife 2016; 5. [PMID: 27790974 PMCID: PMC5110245 DOI: 10.7554/elife.19022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural rubber (NR) is stored in latex as rubber particles (RPs), rubber molecules surrounded by a lipid monolayer. Rubber transferase (RTase), the enzyme responsible for NR biosynthesis, is believed to be a member of the cis-prenyltransferase (cPT) family. However, none of the recombinant cPTs have shown RTase activity independently. We show that HRT1, a cPT from Heveabrasiliensis, exhibits distinct RTase activity in vitro only when it is introduced on detergent-washed HeveaRPs (WRPs) by a cell-free translation-coupled system. Using this system, a heterologous cPT from Lactucasativa also exhibited RTase activity, indicating proper introduction of cPT on RP is the key to reconstitute active RTase. RP proteomics and interaction network analyses revealed the formation of the protein complex consisting of HRT1, rubber elongation factor (REF) and HRT1-REF BRIDGING PROTEIN. The RTase activity enhancement observed for the complex assembled on WRPs indicates the HRT1-containing complex functions as the NR biosynthetic machinery. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.19022.001
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Toshiyuki Waki
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yuichi Aoki
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Makie Mizuno
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Fumihiro Yanbe
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tomoki Ishii
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ayuta Funaki
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yuzuru Tozawa
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
| | | | | | - Toru Nakayama
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Seiji Takahashi
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Yamashita S, Yamaguchi H, Waki T, Aoki Y, Mizuno M, Yanbe F, Ishii T, Funaki A, Tozawa Y, Miyagi-Inoue Y, Fushihara K, Nakayama T, Takahashi S. Identification and reconstitution of the rubber biosynthetic machinery on rubber particles from Hevea brasiliensis. eLife 2016; 5:e19022. [PMID: 27790974 DOI: 10.7554/elife.19022.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural rubber (NR) is stored in latex as rubber particles (RPs), rubber molecules surrounded by a lipid monolayer. Rubber transferase (RTase), the enzyme responsible for NR biosynthesis, is believed to be a member of the cis-prenyltransferase (cPT) family. However, none of the recombinant cPTs have shown RTase activity independently. We show that HRT1, a cPT from Heveabrasiliensis, exhibits distinct RTase activity in vitro only when it is introduced on detergent-washed HeveaRPs (WRPs) by a cell-free translation-coupled system. Using this system, a heterologous cPT from Lactucasativa also exhibited RTase activity, indicating proper introduction of cPT on RP is the key to reconstitute active RTase. RP proteomics and interaction network analyses revealed the formation of the protein complex consisting of HRT1, rubber elongation factor (REF) and HRT1-REF BRIDGING PROTEIN. The RTase activity enhancement observed for the complex assembled on WRPs indicates the HRT1-containing complex functions as the NR biosynthetic machinery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Toshiyuki Waki
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yuichi Aoki
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Makie Mizuno
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Fumihiro Yanbe
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tomoki Ishii
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ayuta Funaki
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yuzuru Tozawa
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
| | | | | | - Toru Nakayama
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Seiji Takahashi
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Nie Z, Kang G, Duan C, Li Y, Dai L, Zeng R. Profiling Ethylene-Responsive Genes Expressed in the Latex of the Mature Virgin Rubber Trees Using cDNA Microarray. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0152039. [PMID: 26985821 PMCID: PMC4795647 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ethylene is commonly used as a latex stimulant of Hevea brasiliensis by application of ethephon (chloro-2-ethylphosphonic acid); however, the molecular mechanism by which ethylene increases latex production is not clear. To better understand the effects of ethylene stimulation on the laticiferous cells of rubber trees, a latex expressed sequence tag (EST)-based complementary DNA microarray containing 2,973 unique genes (probes) was first developed and used to analyze the gene expression changes in the latex of the mature virgin rubber trees after ethephon treatment at three different time-points: 8, 24 and 48 h. Transcript levels of 163 genes were significantly altered with fold-change values ≥ 2 or ≤ –2 (q-value < 0.05) in ethephon-treated rubber trees compared with control trees. Of the 163 genes, 92 were up-regulated and 71 down-regulated. The microarray results were further confirmed using real-time quantitative reverse transcript-PCR for 20 selected genes. The 163 ethylene-responsive genes were involved in several biological processes including organic substance metabolism, cellular metabolism, primary metabolism, biosynthetic process, cellular response to stimulus and stress. The presented data suggest that the laticifer water circulation, production and scavenging of reactive oxygen species, sugar metabolism, and assembly and depolymerization of the latex actin cytoskeleton might play important roles in ethylene-induced increase of latex production. The results may provide useful insights into understanding the molecular mechanism underlying the effect of ethylene on latex metabolism of H. brasiliensis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyi Nie
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Rubber Tree, Ministry of Agriculture, Rubber Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS), Danzhou, Hainan, China
| | - Guijuan Kang
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Rubber Tree, Ministry of Agriculture, Rubber Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS), Danzhou, Hainan, China
| | - Cuifang Duan
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Rubber Tree, Ministry of Agriculture, Rubber Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS), Danzhou, Hainan, China
| | - Yu Li
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Rubber Tree, Ministry of Agriculture, Rubber Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS), Danzhou, Hainan, China
| | - Longjun Dai
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Rubber Tree, Ministry of Agriculture, Rubber Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS), Danzhou, Hainan, China
| | - Rizhong Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Rubber Tree, Ministry of Agriculture, Rubber Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS), Danzhou, Hainan, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Harvesting the biosynthetic machineries that cultivate a variety of indispensable plant natural products. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2016; 31:66-73. [PMID: 26851514 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2016.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2015] [Revised: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Plants are a sustainable resource for valuable natural chemicals best illustrated by large-scale farming centered on specific products. Here, we review recent discoveries of plant metabolic pathways producing natural products with unconventional biomolecular structures. Prenylation of polyketides by aromatic prenyltransferases (aPTases) ties together two of the major groups of plant specialized chemicals, terpenoids and polyketides, providing a core modification leading to new bioactivities and downstream metabolic processing. Moreover, PTases that biosynthesize Z-terpenoid precursors for small molecules such as lycosantalene have recently been found in the tomato family. Gaps in our understanding of how economically important compounds such as cannabinoids are produced are being identified using next-generation 'omics' to rapidly advance biochemical breakthroughs at an unprecedented rate. For instance, olivetolic acid cyclase, a polyketide synthase (PKS) co-factor from Cannabis sativa, directs the proper cyclization of a polyketide intermediate. Elucidations of spatial and temporal arrangements of biosynthetic enzymes into metabolons, such as those used to control the efficient production of natural polymers such as rubber and defensive small molecules such as linamarin and lotaustralin, provide blueprints for engineering streamlined production of plant products.
Collapse
|
39
|
Huber M, Epping J, Schulze Gronover C, Fricke J, Aziz Z, Brillatz T, Swyers M, Köllner TG, Vogel H, Hammerbacher A, Triebwasser-Freese D, Robert CAM, Verhoeven K, Preite V, Gershenzon J, Erb M. A Latex Metabolite Benefits Plant Fitness under Root Herbivore Attack. PLoS Biol 2016; 14:e1002332. [PMID: 26731567 PMCID: PMC4701418 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1002332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Plants produce large amounts of secondary metabolites in their shoots and roots and store them in specialized secretory structures. Although secondary metabolites and their secretory structures are commonly assumed to have a defensive function, evidence that they benefit plant fitness under herbivore attack is scarce, especially below ground. Here, we tested whether latex secondary metabolites produced by the common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale agg.) decrease the performance of its major native insect root herbivore, the larvae of the common cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha), and benefit plant vegetative and reproductive fitness under M. melolontha attack. Across 17 T. officinale genotypes screened by gas and liquid chromatography, latex concentrations of the sesquiterpene lactone taraxinic acid β-D-glucopyranosyl ester (TA-G) were negatively associated with M. melolontha larval growth. Adding purified TA-G to artificial diet at ecologically relevant concentrations reduced larval feeding. Silencing the germacrene A synthase ToGAS1, an enzyme that was identified to catalyze the first committed step of TA-G biosynthesis, resulted in a 90% reduction of TA-G levels and a pronounced increase in M. melolontha feeding. Transgenic, TA-G-deficient lines were preferred by M. melolontha and suffered three times more root biomass reduction than control lines. In a common garden experiment involving over 2,000 T. officinale individuals belonging to 17 different genotypes, high TA-G concentrations were associated with the maintenance of high vegetative and reproductive fitness under M. melolontha attack. Taken together, our study demonstrates that a latex secondary metabolite benefits plants under herbivore attack, a result that provides a mechanistic framework for root herbivore driven natural selection and evolution of plant defenses below ground.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meret Huber
- Root Herbivore Interactions Group, Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Janina Epping
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Julia Fricke
- Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Zohra Aziz
- Root Herbivore Interactions Group, Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Théo Brillatz
- Root Herbivore Interactions Group, Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Swyers
- Root Herbivore Interactions Group, Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Tobias G. Köllner
- Department of Biochemistry, Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Heiko Vogel
- Department of Entomology, Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Almuth Hammerbacher
- Department of Biochemistry, Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Daniella Triebwasser-Freese
- Root Herbivore Interactions Group, Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christelle A. M. Robert
- Root Herbivore Interactions Group, Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Koen Verhoeven
- Netherlands Institute of Ecology, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Jonathan Gershenzon
- Department of Biochemistry, Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Matthias Erb
- Root Herbivore Interactions Group, Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Kwon M, Kwon EJ, Ro D. cis-Prenyltransferase and Polymer Analysis from a Natural Rubber Perspective. Methods Enzymol 2016; 576:121-45. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2016.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
41
|
Guo D, Yi HY, Li HL, Liu C, Yang ZP, Peng SQ. Molecular characterization of HbCZF1, a Hevea brasiliensis CCCH-type zinc finger protein that regulates hmg1. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2015; 34:1569-78. [PMID: 25987315 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-015-1809-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Revised: 05/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE The HbCZF1 protein binds to the hmg1 promoter in yeast and this interaction was confirmed in vitro. The hmg1 promoter was activated in transgenic plants by HbCZF1. Biosynthesis of natural rubber is known to be based on the mevalonate pathway in Hevea brasiliensis. The final step in the mevalonate production is catalyzed by the branch point enzyme, 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR), which shunts HMG-CoA into the isoprenoid pathway, leading to the synthesis of natural rubber. However, molecular regulation of HMGR expression is not known. To study the transcriptional regulation of HMGR, the yeast one-hybrid experiment was performed to screen the latex cDNA library using the hmg1 (one of the three HMGR in H. brasiliensis) promoter as bait. One cDNA that encodes the CCCH-type zinc finger protein, designated as HbCZF1, was isolated from H. brasiliensis. HbCZF1 interacted with the hmg1 promoter in yeast one-hybrid system and in vitro. HbCZF1 contains a 1110 bp open reading frame that encodes 369 amino acids. The deduced HbCZF1 protein was predicted to possess a typical C-X7-C-X5-C3-H CCCH motif and RNA recognition motif. HbCZF1 was predominant in the latex, but little expression was detected in the leaves, barks, and roots. Furthermore, in transgenic tobacco plants, over-expression of HbCZF1 highly activated the hmg1 promoter. These results suggested that HbCZF1 may participate in the regulation of natural rubber biosynthesis in H. brasiliensis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Guo
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Tropical Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Martinez M, Poirrier P, Chamy R, Prüfer D, Schulze-Gronover C, Jorquera L, Ruiz G. Taraxacum officinale and related species-An ethnopharmacological review and its potential as a commercial medicinal plant. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2015; 169:244-62. [PMID: 25858507 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.03.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2014] [Revised: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Dandelion (Taraxacum spec) is a wild plant that has been used for centuries as a traditional medicine in the relief and treatment of several diseases. This use is due to the presence of sesquiterpenes, saponins, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and sugars, among others, found in the organs of the plant. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this work is to provide a current review of developments and trends in research on the Taraxacum genus, with a focus on traditional uses and pharmacological properties. This should shed light on the potential of this plant as an attractive commercial herbal medicine. MATERIALS AND METHODS Documents were collected, analyzed, and classified for information regarding medical, agronomic, genetic, and biological aspects of the Taraxacum species. This process was based on a thorough search of documents indexed by scientific search engines. RESULTS Two important periods of research on Taraxacum have been identified: the first, between 1930 and 1950; and the second, from 1990 to today. During the former, agricultural and genetics research on this plant were, due to the shortage of natural rubber, the focus. In contrast, the main drive in Taraxacum research is now the recovery of bioactives and/or applications in medicine. Pharmacology is the main area in which these plants have been tested, thanks in part to its widely known traditional uses; however, there is less than enthusiastic interest in further human clinical trials. In other areas, Taraxacum sports an enormous list of compounds of industrial interest; and while it is true that only a small amount of these compounds is immediately available in Taraxacum organs and makes it relatively commercially unattractive, only scarce efforts have been made to improve yields. Compounding this issue, most studies of its growth and cultivation have been focused mainly on controlling it as a weed detrimental to certain industrial crops. To wit, in spite of all the research carried out, less than 1% of all the species identified so far (>2500) have been studied (including Taraxacum officinale, Taraxacum coreanum, Taraxacum mongolicum and Taraxacum platycarpum). This is a indication of the little knowledge that we have about this genus so far. Biotechnology (involving genetics, agriculture, and biology) is the most powerful means by which to take advantage of all the medicinal potential of Taraxacum. Great strides have been made in identifying metabolic pathways for synthesizing terpenes, one of the most important compound families in clinical applications. In order to improve yield and performance of the plant in the field, greenhouse cultivation is another aspect taken into account, deriving an increase in recovery of bioactives from Taraxacum organs. Even while considering that only a few species have been studied, their different biochemical and cultivation profiles indicate huge potential for qualitative improvements in composition through genetic engineering, thus directly impacting pharmacological properties. CONCLUSIONS Taraxacum is has been traditionally considered a natural remedy, well-inserted into popular knowledge, but with low commercial applicability. Only once the recovery of pure and highly reactive compounds can be pursued at (a qualitatively and quantitatively attractive) economical scale, human clinical trials would be of interest in order to prove their efficacy and safety, positioning Taraxacum as an important commercial source of natural drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Martinez
- Escuela de Ingeniería Bioquímica (School of Biochemical Engineering), Facultad de Ingeniería (Faculty of Engineering), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso), General Cruz 34, Valparaíso, Chile; Fraunhofer Chile Research Foundation - Center for Systems Biotechnology (FCR - CSB), Mariano Sánchez Fontecilla 310, of 1401, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
| | - P Poirrier
- Escuela de Ingeniería Bioquímica (School of Biochemical Engineering), Facultad de Ingeniería (Faculty of Engineering), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso), General Cruz 34, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - R Chamy
- Fraunhofer Chile Research Foundation - Center for Systems Biotechnology (FCR - CSB), Mariano Sánchez Fontecilla 310, of 1401, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile.
| | - D Prüfer
- Westphalian Wilhelms-University of Münster, Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Schlossplatz 8, D-48143 Münster, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Schlossplatz 8, D-48143 Münster, Germany
| | - C Schulze-Gronover
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Schlossplatz 8, D-48143 Münster, Germany
| | - L Jorquera
- Escuela de Ingeniería Bioquímica (School of Biochemical Engineering), Facultad de Ingeniería (Faculty of Engineering), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso), General Cruz 34, Valparaíso, Chile; Fraunhofer Chile Research Foundation - Center for Systems Biotechnology (FCR - CSB), Mariano Sánchez Fontecilla 310, of 1401, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
| | - G Ruiz
- Escuela de Ingeniería Bioquímica (School of Biochemical Engineering), Facultad de Ingeniería (Faculty of Engineering), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso), General Cruz 34, Valparaíso, Chile; Fraunhofer Chile Research Foundation - Center for Systems Biotechnology (FCR - CSB), Mariano Sánchez Fontecilla 310, of 1401, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Huber M, Triebwasser-Freese D, Reichelt M, Heiling S, Paetz C, Chandran JN, Bartram S, Schneider B, Gershenzon J, Erb M. Identification, quantification, spatiotemporal distribution and genetic variation of major latex secondary metabolites in the common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale agg.). PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2015; 115:89-98. [PMID: 25682510 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2015.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Revised: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The secondary metabolites in the roots, leaves and flowers of the common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale agg.) have been studied in detail. However, little is known about the specific constituents of the plant's highly specialized laticifer cells. Using a combination of liquid and gas chromatography, mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, we identified and quantified the major secondary metabolites in the latex of different organs across different growth stages in three genotypes, and tested the activity of the metabolites against the generalist root herbivore Diabrotica balteata. We found that common dandelion latex is dominated by three classes of secondary metabolites: phenolic inositol esters (PIEs), triterpene acetates (TritAc) and the sesquiterpene lactone taraxinic acid β-D-glucopyranosyl ester (TA-G). Purification and absolute quantification revealed concentrations in the upper mgg(-1) range for all compound classes with up to 6% PIEs, 5% TritAc and 7% TA-G per gram latex fresh weight. Contrary to typical secondary metabolite patterns, concentrations of all three classes increased with plant age. The highest concentrations were measured in the main root. PIE profiles differed both quantitatively and qualitatively between plant genotypes, whereas TritAc and TA-G differed only quantitatively. Metabolite concentrations were positively correlated within and between the different compound classes, indicating tight biosynthetic co-regulation. Latex metabolite extracts strongly repelled D. balteata larvae, suggesting that the latex constituents are biologically active.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meret Huber
- Department of Biochemistry, Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, D-07745 Jena, Germany
| | | | - Michael Reichelt
- Department of Biochemistry, Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, D-07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Sven Heiling
- Department of Molecular Ecology, Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, D-07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Paetz
- Research Group Biosynthesis/NMR, Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, D-07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Jima N Chandran
- Research Group Biosynthesis/NMR, Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, D-07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Stefan Bartram
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, D-07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Bernd Schneider
- Research Group Biosynthesis/NMR, Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, D-07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Jonathan Gershenzon
- Department of Biochemistry, Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, D-07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Matthias Erb
- Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern, Altenbergrain 21, CH-3013 Bern, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Brasher MI, Surmacz L, Leong B, Pitcher J, Swiezewska E, Pichersky E, Akhtar TA. A two-component enzyme complex is required for dolichol biosynthesis in tomato. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 82:903-914. [PMID: 25899081 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.12859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Revised: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Dolichol plays an indispensable role in the N-glycosylation of eukaryotic proteins. As proteins enter the secretory pathway they are decorated by a 'glycan', which is preassembled onto a membrane-anchored dolichol molecule embedded within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Genetic and biochemical evidence in yeast and animals indicate that a cis-prenyltransferase (CPT) is required for dolichol synthesis, but also point to other factor(s) that could be involved. In this study, RNAi-mediated suppression of one member of the tomato CPT family (SlCPT3) resulted in a ~60% decrease in dolichol content. We further show that the involvement of SlCPT3 in dolichol biosynthesis requires the participation of a distantly related partner protein, designated as CPT-binding protein (SlCPTBP), which is a close homolog of the human Nogo-B receptor. Yeast two-hybrid and co-immunoprecipitation assays demonstrate that SlCPT3 and its partner protein interact in vivo and that both SlCPT3 and SlCPTBP are required to complement the growth defects and dolichol deficiency of the yeast dolichol mutant, rer2∆. Co-expression of SlCPT3 and SlCPTBP in yeast and in E. coli confirmed that dolichol synthase activity strictly requires both proteins. Finally, organelle isolation and in vivo localization of fluorescent protein fusions showed that both SlCPT3 and SlCPTBP localize to the ER, the site of dolichol accumulation and synthesis in eukaryotes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan I Brasher
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Liliana Surmacz
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5A Pawinskiego Street, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bryan Leong
- Department of Molecular and Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jocelyn Pitcher
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Ewa Swiezewska
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5A Pawinskiego Street, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Eran Pichersky
- Department of Molecular and Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Tariq A Akhtar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Chakrabarty R, Qu Y, Ro DK. Silencing the lettuce homologs of small rubber particle protein does not influence natural rubber biosynthesis in lettuce (Lactuca sativa). PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2015; 113:121-9. [PMID: 25553584 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2014.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Revised: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Natural rubber, cis-1,4-polyisoprene, is an important raw material in chemical industries, but its biosynthetic mechanism remains elusive. Natural rubber is known to be synthesized in rubber particles suspended in laticifer cells in the Brazilian rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). In the rubber tree, rubber elongation factor (REF) and its homolog, small rubber particle protein (SRPP), were found to be the most abundant proteins in rubber particles, and they have been implicated in natural rubber biosynthesis. As lettuce (Lactuca sativa) can synthesize natural rubber, we utilized this annual, transformable plant to examine in planta roles of the lettuce REF/SRPP homologs by RNA interference. Among eight lettuce REF/SRPP homologs identified, transcripts of two genes (LsSRPP4 and LsSRPP8) accounted for more than 90% of total transcripts of REF/SRPP homologs in lettuce latex. LsSRPP4 displays a typical primary protein sequence as other REF/SRPP, while LsSRPP8 is twice as long as LsSRPP4. These two major LsSRPP transcripts were individually and simultaneously silenced by RNA interference, and relative abundance, polymer molecular weight, and polydispersity of natural rubber were analyzed from the LsSRPP4- and LsSRPP8-silenced transgenic lettuce. Despite previous data suggesting the implications of REF/SRPP in natural rubber biosynthesis, qualitative and quantitative alterations of natural rubber could not be observed in transgenic lettuce lines. It is concluded that lettuce REF/SRPP homologs are not critically important proteins in natural rubber biosynthesis in lettuce.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Romit Chakrabarty
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Yang Qu
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Dae-Kyun Ro
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Laibach N, Hillebrand A, Twyman RM, Prüfer D, Schulze Gronover C. Identification of a Taraxacum brevicorniculatum rubber elongation factor protein that is localized on rubber particles and promotes rubber biosynthesis. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 82:609-20. [PMID: 25809497 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.12836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Revised: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Two protein families required for rubber biosynthesis in Taraxacum brevicorniculatum have recently been characterized, namely the cis-prenyltransferases (TbCPTs) and the small rubber particle proteins (TbSRPPs). The latter were shown to be the most abundant proteins on rubber particles, where rubber biosynthesis takes place. Here we identified a protein designated T. brevicorniculatum rubber elongation factor (TbREF) by using mass spectrometry to analyze rubber particle proteins. TbREF is homologous to the TbSRPPs but has a molecular mass that is atypical for the family. The promoter was shown to be active in laticifers, and the protein itself was localized on the rubber particle surface. In TbREF-silenced plants generated by RNA interference, the rubber content was significantly reduced, correlating with lower TbCPT protein levels and less TbCPT activity in the latex. However, the molecular mass of the rubber was not affected by TbREF silencing. The colloidal stability of rubber particles isolated from TbREF-silenced plants was also unchanged. This was not surprising because TbREF depletion did not affect the abundance of TbSRPPs, which are required for rubber particle stability. Our findings suggest that TbREF is an important component of the rubber biosynthesis machinery in T. brevicorniculatum, and may play a role in rubber particle biogenesis and influence rubber production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Laibach
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Schlossplatz 8, Münster, 48143, Germany
| | - Andrea Hillebrand
- Westphalian Wilhelms University of Münster, Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Schlossplatz 8, Münster, 48143, Germany
| | | | - Dirk Prüfer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Schlossplatz 8, Münster, 48143, Germany
- Westphalian Wilhelms University of Münster, Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Schlossplatz 8, Münster, 48143, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Zhiyi N, Guijuan K, Yu L, Longjun D, Rizhong Z. Whole-transcriptome survey of the putative ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter family genes in the latex-producing laticifers of Hevea brasiliensis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0116857. [PMID: 25615936 PMCID: PMC4304824 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0116857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins or transporters constitute a large protein family in plants and are involved in many different cellular functions and processes, including solute transportation, channel regulation and molecular switches, etc. Through transcriptome sequencing, a transcriptome-wide survey and expression analysis of the ABC protein genes were carried out using the laticiferous latex from Hevea brasiliensis (rubber tree). A total of 46 putative ABC family proteins were identified in the H. brasiliensis latex. These consisted of 12 ‘full-size’, 21 ‘half-size’ and 13 other putative ABC proteins, and all of them showed strong conservation with their Arabidopsis thaliana counterparts. This study indicated that all eight plant ABC protein paralog subfamilies were identified in the H. brasiliensis latex, of which ABCB, ABCG and ABCI were the most abundant. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assays demonstrated that gene expression of several latex ABC proteins was regulated by ethylene, jasmonic acid or bark tapping (a wound stress) stimulation, and that HbABCB15, HbABCB19, HbABCD1 and HbABCG21 responded most significantly of all to the abiotic stresses. The identification and expression analysis of the latex ABC family proteins could facilitate further investigation into their physiological involvement in latex metabolism and rubber biosynthesis by H. brasiliensis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nie Zhiyi
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Rubber Tree, Ministry of Agriculture & Rubber Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Danzhou, Hainan 571737, China
| | - Kang Guijuan
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Rubber Tree, Ministry of Agriculture & Rubber Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Danzhou, Hainan 571737, China
| | - Li Yu
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Rubber Tree, Ministry of Agriculture & Rubber Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Danzhou, Hainan 571737, China
| | - Dai Longjun
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Rubber Tree, Ministry of Agriculture & Rubber Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Danzhou, Hainan 571737, China
| | - Zeng Rizhong
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Rubber Tree, Ministry of Agriculture & Rubber Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Danzhou, Hainan 571737, China
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Qu Y, Chakrabarty R, Tran HT, Kwon EJG, Kwon M, Nguyen TD, Ro DK. A lettuce (Lactuca sativa) homolog of human Nogo-B receptor interacts with cis-prenyltransferase and is necessary for natural rubber biosynthesis. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:1898-914. [PMID: 25477521 PMCID: PMC4303647 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.616920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2014] [Revised: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural rubber (cis-1,4-polyisoprene) is an indispensable biopolymer used to manufacture diverse consumer products. Although a major source of natural rubber is the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is also known to synthesize natural rubber. Here, we report that an unusual cis-prenyltransferase-like 2 (CPTL2) that lacks the conserved motifs of conventional cis-prenyltransferase is required for natural rubber biosynthesis in lettuce. CPTL2, identified from the lettuce rubber particle proteome, displays homology to a human NogoB receptor and is predominantly expressed in latex. Multiple transgenic lettuces expressing CPTL2-RNAi constructs showed that a decrease of CPTL2 transcripts (3-15% CPTL2 expression relative to controls) coincided with the reduction of natural rubber as low as 5%. We also identified a conventional cis-prenyltransferase 3 (CPT3), exclusively expressed in latex. In subcellular localization studies using fluorescent proteins, cytosolic CPT3 was relocalized to endoplasmic reticulum by co-occurrence of CPTL2 in tobacco and yeast at the log phase. Furthermore, yeast two-hybrid data showed that CPTL2 and CPT3 interact. Yeast microsomes containing CPTL2/CPT3 showed enhanced synthesis of short cis-polyisoprenes, but natural rubber could not be synthesized in vitro. Intriguingly, a homologous pair CPTL1/CPT1, which displays ubiquitous expressions in lettuce, showed a potent dolichol biosynthetic activity in vitro. Taken together, our data suggest that CPTL2 is a scaffolding protein that tethers CPT3 on endoplasmic reticulum and is necessary for natural rubber biosynthesis in planta, but yeast-expressed CPTL2 and CPT3 alone could not synthesize high molecular weight natural rubber in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Qu
- From the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Romit Chakrabarty
- From the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Hue T Tran
- From the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Eun-Joo G Kwon
- From the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Moonhyuk Kwon
- From the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Trinh-Don Nguyen
- From the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Dae-Kyun Ro
- From the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Laibach N, Post J, Twyman RM, Gronover CS, Prüfer D. The characteristics and potential applications of structural lipid droplet proteins in plants. J Biotechnol 2014; 201:15-27. [PMID: 25160916 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2014.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2014] [Revised: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Plant cytosolic lipid droplets are storage organelles that accumulate hydrophobic molecules. They are found in many tissues and their general structure includes an outer lipid monolayer with integral and associated proteins surrounding a hydrophobic core. Two distinct types can be distinguished, which we define here as oleosin-based lipid droplets (OLDs) and non-oleosin-based lipid droplets (NOLDs). OLDs are the best characterized lipid droplets in plants. They are primarily restricted to seeds and other germinative tissues, their surface is covered with oleosin-family proteins to maintain stability, they store triacylglycerols (TAGs) and they are used as a source of energy (and possibly signaling molecules) during the germination of seeds and pollen. Less is known about NOLDs. They are more abundant than OLDs and are distributed in many tissues, they accumulate not only TAGs but also other hydrophobic molecules such as natural rubber, and the structural proteins that stabilize them are unrelated to oleosins. In many species these proteins are members of the rubber elongation factor superfamily. NOLDs are not typically used for energy storage but instead accumulate hydrophobic compounds required for environmental interactions such as pathogen defense. There are many potential applications of NOLDs including the engineering of lipid production in plants and the generation of artificial oil bodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Laibach
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany.
| | - Janina Post
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany.
| | | | - Christian Schulze Gronover
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany.
| | - Dirk Prüfer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany; Westphalian Wilhelms-University of Münster, Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Aoki Y, Takahashi S, Takayama D, Ogata Y, Sakurai N, Suzuki H, Asawatreratanakul K, Wititsuwannakul D, Wititsuwannakul R, Shibata D, Koyama T, Nakayama T. Identification of laticifer-specific genes and their promoter regions from a natural rubber producing plant Hevea brasiliensis. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2014; 225:1-8. [PMID: 25017153 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2014.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Revised: 05/02/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Latex, the milky cytoplasm of highly differentiated cells called laticifers, from Hevea brasiliensis is a key source of commercial natural rubber production. One way to enhance natural rubber production would be to express genes involved in natural rubber biosynthesis by a laticifer-specific overexpression system. As a first step to identify promoters which could regulate the laticifer-specific expression, we identified random clones from a cDNA library of H. brasiliensis latex, resulting in 4325 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) assembled into 1308 unigenes (692 contigs and 617 singletons). Quantitative analyses of the transcription levels of high redundancy clones in the ESTs revealed genes highly and predominantly expressed in laticifers, such as Rubber Elongation Factor (REF), Small Rubber Particle Protein and putative protease inhibitor proteins. HRT1 and HRT2, cis-prenyltransferases involved in rubber biosynthesis, was also expressed predominantly in laticifers, although these transcript levels were 80-fold lower than that of REF. The 5'-upstream regions of these laticifer-specific genes were cloned and analyzed in silico, revealing seven common motifs consisting of eight bases. Furthermore, transcription factors specifically expressed in laticifers were also identified. The common motifs in the laticifer-specific genes and the laticifer-specific transcription factors are potentially involved in the regulation of gene expression in laticifers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Aoki
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan
| | - Seiji Takahashi
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan.
| | - Daisuke Takayama
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Ogata
- Kazusa DNA Research Institute, Kisarazu, Chiba 292-0818, Japan
| | - Nozomu Sakurai
- Kazusa DNA Research Institute, Kisarazu, Chiba 292-0818, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Suzuki
- Kazusa DNA Research Institute, Kisarazu, Chiba 292-0818, Japan
| | - Kasem Asawatreratanakul
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan; Research and Development Institute, Thaksin University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | | | | | - Daisuke Shibata
- Kazusa DNA Research Institute, Kisarazu, Chiba 292-0818, Japan
| | - Tanetoshi Koyama
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Toru Nakayama
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan
| |
Collapse
|