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Jia X, Luo S, Ye X, Liu L, Wen W. Evolution of the biochemistry underpinning purine alkaloid metabolism in plants. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230366. [PMID: 39343019 PMCID: PMC11449220 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Purine alkaloids are naturally occurring nitrogenous methylated derivatives of purine nucleotide degradation products, having essential roles in medicine, food and various other aspects of our daily lives. They are generated through convergent evolution in different plant species. The pivotal reaction steps within the purine alkaloid metabolic pathways have been largely elucidated, and the convergent evolution of purine alkaloids has been substantiated through bioinformatic, biochemical and other research perspectives within S-adenosyl-ʟ-methionine-dependent N-methyltransferases. Currently, the biological and ecological roles of purine alkaloids, further refinement of the purine alkaloid metabolic pathways and the investigation of purine alkaloid adaptive evolutionary mechanisms continue to attract widespread research interest. The exploration of the purine alkaloid metabolic pathways also enhances our comprehension of the biochemical mechanism, providing insights into inter-species interactions and adaptive evolution and offering potential value in drug development and agricultural applications. Here, we review the progress of research in the distribution, metabolic pathway elucidation and regulation, evolutionary mechanism and ecological roles of purine alkaloids in plants. The opportunities and challenges involved in elucidating the biochemical basis and evolutionary mechanisms of the purine alkaloid metabolic pathways, as well as other research aspects, are also discussed. This article is part of the theme issue 'The evolution of plant meta-bolism'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Jia
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Shijie Luo
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiali Ye
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Liu
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiwei Wen
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China
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Abu-Hashem AA, Hakami O, El-Shazly M, El-Nashar HAS, Yousif MNM. Caffeine and Purine Derivatives: A Comprehensive Review on the Chemistry, Biosynthetic Pathways, Synthesis-Related Reactions, Biomedical Prospectives and Clinical Applications. Chem Biodivers 2024; 21:e202400050. [PMID: 38719741 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202400050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Caffeine and purine derivatives represent interesting chemical moieties, which show various biological activities. Caffeine is an alkaloid that belongs to the family of methylxanthine alkaloids and it is present in food, beverages, and drugs. Coffee, tea, and some other beverages are a major source of caffeine in the human diet. Caffeine can be extracted from tea or coffee using hot water with dichloromethane or chloroform and the leftover is known as decaffeinated coffee or tea. Caffeine and its derivatives were synthesized via different procedures on small and large scales. It competitively antagonizes the adenosine receptors (ARs), which are G protein-coupled receptors largely distributed in the human body, including the heart, vessels, brain, and kidneys. Recently, many reports showed the effect of caffeine derivatives in the treatment of many diseases such as Alzheimer's, asthma, parkinsonism, and cancer. Also, it is used as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and hypocholesterolemic agent. The present review article discusses the synthesis, reactivity, and biological and pharmacological properties of caffeine and its derivatives. The biosynthesis and biotransformation of caffeine in coffee and tea leaves and the human body were summarized in the review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameen A Abu-Hashem
- Photochemistry Department, National Research Centre, 12622, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Jazan University, 45142 and 2097, Jazan, KSA, Saudi Arabia
| | - Othman Hakami
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Jazan University, 45142 and 2097, Jazan, KSA, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed El-Shazly
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, 11566, Egypt
| | - Heba A S El-Nashar
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, 11566, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud N M Yousif
- Photochemistry Department, National Research Centre, 12622, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
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3
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Catania EM, Dubs NM, Soumen S, Barkman TJ. The Mutational Road not Taken: Using Ancestral Sequence Resurrection to Evaluate the Evolution of Plant Enzyme Substrate Preferences. Genome Biol Evol 2024; 16:evae016. [PMID: 38290535 PMCID: PMC10853004 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evae016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
We investigated the flowering plant salicylic acid methyl transferase (SAMT) enzyme lineage to understand the evolution of substrate preference change. Previous studies indicated that a single amino acid replacement to the SAMT active site (H150M) was sufficient to change ancestral enzyme substrate preference from benzoic acid to the structurally similar substrate, salicylic acid (SA). Yet, subsequent studies have shown that the H150M function-changing replacement did not likely occur during the historical episode of enzymatic divergence studied. Therefore, we reinvestigated the origin of SA methylation preference here and additionally assessed the extent to which epistasis may act to limit mutational paths. We found that the SAMT lineage of enzymes acquired preference to methylate SA from an ancestor that preferred to methylate benzoic acid as previously reported. In contrast, we found that a different amino acid replacement, Y267Q, was sufficient to change substrate preference with others providing small positive-magnitude epistatic improvements. We show that the kinetic basis for the ancestral enzymatic change in substate preference by Y267Q appears to be due to both a reduced specificity constant, kcat/KM, for benzoic acid and an improvement in KM for SA. Therefore, this lineage of enzymes appears to have had multiple mutational paths available to achieve the same evolutionary divergence. While the reasons remain unclear for why one path was taken, and the other was not, the mutational distance between ancestral and descendant codons may be a factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Catania
- Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA
| | - Nicole M Dubs
- Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA
| | - Shejal Soumen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA
| | - Todd J Barkman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA
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Yao X, Chen H, Ai A, Wang F, Lian S, Tang H, Jiang Y, Jiao Y, He Y, Li T, Lu L. The transcription factor CsS40 negatively regulates TCS1 expression and caffeine biosynthesis in connection to leaf senescence in Camellia sinensis. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2023; 10:uhad162. [PMID: 37731861 PMCID: PMC10508035 DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhad162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Caffeine is considered as one of the most important bioactive components in the popular plant beverages tea, cacao, and coffee, but as a wide-spread plant secondary metabolite its biosynthetic regulation at transcription level remains largely unclear. Here, we report a novel transcription factor Camellia sinensis Senescnece 40 (CsS40) as a caffeine biosynthesis regulator, which was discovered during screening a yeast expression library constructed from tea leaf cDNAs for activation of tea caffeine synthase (TCS1) promoter. Besides multiple hits of the non-self-activation CsS40 clones that bound to and activated TCS1 promoter in yeast-one-hybrid assays, a split-luciferase complementation assay demonstrated that CsS40 acts as a transcription factor to activate the CsTCS1 gene and EMSA assay also demonstrated that CsS40 bound to the TCS1 gene promoter. Consistently, immunofluorescence data indicated that CsS40-GFP fusion was localized in the nuclei of tobacco epidermal cells. The expression pattern of CsS40 in 'Fuding Dabai' developing leaves was opposite to that of TCS1; and knockdown and overexpression of CsS40 in tea leaf calli significantly increased and decreased TCS1 expression levels, respectively. The expression levels of CsS40 were also negatively correlated to caffeine accumulation in developing leaves and transgenic calli of 'Fuding Dabai'. Furthermore, overexpression of CsS40 reduced the accumulation of xanthine and hypoxanthine in tobacco plants, meanwhile, increased their susceptibility to aging. CsS40 expression in tea leaves was also induced by senescence-promoting hormones and environmental factors. Taken together, we showed that a novel senescence-related factor CsS40 negatively regulates TCS1 and represses caffeine accumulation in tea cultivar 'Fuding Dabai'. The study provides new insights into caffeine biosynthesis regulation by a plant-specific senescence regulator in tea plants in connection to leaf senescence and hormone signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinzhuan Yao
- College of Tea Sciences, Institute of Plant Health & Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Hufang Chen
- College of Tea Sciences, Institute of Plant Health & Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Antao Ai
- College of Tea Sciences, Institute of Plant Health & Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Fen Wang
- School of Biological Science and Agriculture, Qiannan Normal University for Nationalities, Duyun 558000, China
| | - Shanshan Lian
- College of Tea Sciences, Institute of Plant Health & Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Hu Tang
- College of Tea Sciences, Institute of Plant Health & Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yihe Jiang
- College of Tea Sciences, Institute of Plant Health & Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yujie Jiao
- College of Tea Sciences, Institute of Plant Health & Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yumei He
- College of Tea Sciences, Institute of Plant Health & Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Tong Li
- College of Tea Sciences, Institute of Plant Health & Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Litang Lu
- College of Tea Sciences, Institute of Plant Health & Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
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5
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Tang Q, Liu K, Yue C, Luo L, Zeng L, Wu Z. CsXDH1 gene promotes caffeine catabolism induced by continuous strong light in tea plant. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2023; 10:uhad090. [PMID: 37342541 PMCID: PMC10277909 DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhad090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Tea plant (Camellia sinensis) is an important cash crop with extensive adaptability in the world. However, complex environmental factors force a large variation of tea quality-related components. Caffeine is essential for the formation of bitter and fresh flavors in tea, and is the main compound of tea that improves human alertness. Continuous strong light stimulation was observed to cause caffeine reduction in tea leaves, but the mechanism is not clear. In this study, the response of tea plant to light intensity was analysed mainly by multi-omics association, antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (asODN) silencing technique, and in vitro enzyme activity assay. The results revealed multiple strategies for light intensity adaptation in tea plant, among which the regulation of chloroplasts, photosynthesis, porphyrin metabolism, and resistance to oxidative stress were prominent. Caffeine catabolism was enhanced in continuous strong light, which may be a light-adapted strategy due to strict regulation by xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH). asODN silencing and enzymatic activity assays confirmed that CsXDH1 is a protein induced by light intensity to catalyze the substrate xanthine. CsXDH1 asODN silencing resulted in significant up-regulation of both caffeine and theobromine in in vitro enzyme activity assay, but not in vivo. CsXDH1 may act as a coordinator in light intensity adaptation, thus disrupting this balance of caffeine catabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianhui Tang
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Speciality Food Co-Built by Sichuan and Chongqing, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation, Southwest University, Chongqing 401329, China
- Tea Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Keyi Liu
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Speciality Food Co-Built by Sichuan and Chongqing, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation, Southwest University, Chongqing 401329, China
- Tea Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Chuan Yue
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Speciality Food Co-Built by Sichuan and Chongqing, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation, Southwest University, Chongqing 401329, China
- Tea Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Liyong Luo
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Speciality Food Co-Built by Sichuan and Chongqing, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation, Southwest University, Chongqing 401329, China
- Tea Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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Yao X, Qi Y, Chen H, Zhang B, Chen Z, Lu L. Comparative transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of nutritional quality-related molecular mechanisms of 'Qianmei 419' and 'Qianfu 4' varieties of Camellia sinensis. Gene 2023; 865:147329. [PMID: 36870427 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the content of main nutrients in 'QianFu No. 4' were significantly higher than 'QianMei 419.'Transcriptome and proteome were combined to provide new insight of the molecular mechanisms linked to nutritional quality of 'QianFu No. 4' and 'QianMei 419' by leaf function analysis, RNA sequencing and isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification techniques.A total of 23,813 genes and 361 proteins exhibited differential expression level in 'QianMei 419' when compared with 'QianFu No. 4'. These genes and proteins revealed that the pathway of flavonoids biosynthesis, caffeine metabolism, theanine biosynthesis and amino acid metabolism were linked to nutritional quality of tea. Our results provided transcriptomics and proteomics information with respect to the molecular mechanisms of nutritional changes of tea, identified key genes and proteins that associated with the metabolism and accumulation of nutrients, and helped clarify the molecular mechanisms of nutrient differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinzhuan Yao
- College of Tea Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yong Qi
- Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang, China
| | - Hufang Chen
- College of Tea Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Baohui Zhang
- Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhengwu Chen
- Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang, China
| | - Litang Lu
- College of Tea Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China; The Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region Ministry of Education, Institute of Agro-Bioengineering, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
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Zhou MZ, O'Neill Rothenberg D, Zeng W, Luo L, Yan CY, Zeng Z, Huang YH. Discovery and Biochemical Characterization of N-methyltransferase Genes Involved in Purine Alkaloid Biosynthetic Pathway of Camellia gymnogyna Hung T.Chang (Theaceae) from Dayao Mountain. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2022; 199:113167. [PMID: 35378107 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2022.113167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, purine alkaloid analysis and transcriptome of Camellia gymnogyna Hung T. Chang (Theaceae) from Dayao Mountain were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and RNA-Seq, respectively. The results showed that the major purine alkaloids accumulated in Camellia gymnogyna Hung T. Chang (Theaceae) were theobromine together with a small amount of theacrine and caffeine. Through polymerase chain reaction (PCR), three types of cDNA encoding N-methyltransferases were isolated from the leaves of Camellia gymnogyna Hung T. Chang (Theaceae) and designated GCS1, GCS2, and GCS3. We subsequently expressed GCS1, GCS2, and GCS3 in Escherichia coli and incubated lysates of the bacterial cells with a variety of xanthine substrates in the presence of S-adenosyl-L-methionine as the methyl donor. We found that the recombinant GCS1 proteins catalyzed 1,3,7-trimethyluric acid to produce theacrine, the recombinant GCS3 proteins catalyzed 7-methylxanthine to produce theobromine, while the recombinant GCS2 proteins did not catalyze any xanthine derivatives. Simultaneous analysis of the expressions of GCS1, GCS2, GCS3, and a caffeine synthase gene (TCS1) in Camellia gymnogyna Hung T. Chang (Theaceae) and other tea plants provided a reference for further research on the functions of these genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Zhen Zhou
- Department of Tea Science, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Tea Research Institute, Meizhou Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Meizhou, 514071, China
| | - Dylan O'Neill Rothenberg
- Department of Tea Science, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Wen Zeng
- Department of Tea Science, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Li Luo
- Department of Tea Science, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Chang-Yu Yan
- Department of Tea Science, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Zhen Zeng
- Department of Tea Science, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Ya-Hui Huang
- Department of Tea Science, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
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8
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Jamieson CS, Misa J, Tang Y, Billingsley JM. Biosynthesis and synthetic biology of psychoactive natural products. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:6950-7008. [PMID: 33908526 PMCID: PMC8217322 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00065a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Psychoactive natural products play an integral role in the modern world. The tremendous structural complexity displayed by such molecules confers diverse biological activities of significant medicinal value and sociocultural impact. Accordingly, in the last two centuries, immense effort has been devoted towards establishing how plants, animals, and fungi synthesize complex natural products from simple metabolic precursors. The recent explosion of genomics data and molecular biology tools has enabled the identification of genes encoding proteins that catalyze individual biosynthetic steps. Once fully elucidated, the "biosynthetic pathways" are often comparable to organic syntheses in elegance and yield. Additionally, the discovery of biosynthetic enzymes provides powerful catalysts which may be repurposed for synthetic biology applications, or implemented with chemoenzymatic synthetic approaches. In this review, we discuss the progress that has been made toward biosynthetic pathway elucidation amongst four classes of psychoactive natural products: hallucinogens, stimulants, cannabinoids, and opioids. Compounds of diverse biosynthetic origin - terpene, amino acid, polyketide - are identified, and notable mechanisms of key scaffold transforming steps are highlighted. We also provide a description of subsequent applications of the biosynthetic machinery, with an emphasis placed on the synthetic biology and metabolic engineering strategies enabling heterologous production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cooper S Jamieson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Joshua Misa
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Yi Tang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA. and Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - John M Billingsley
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA. and Invizyne Technologies, Inc., Monrovia, CA, USA
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Liao Y, Zhou X, Zeng L. How does tea ( Camellia sinensis) produce specialized metabolites which determine its unique quality and function: a review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2021; 62:3751-3767. [PMID: 33401945 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1868970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Tea (Camellia sinensis) is both a plant and a foodstuff. Many bioactive compounds, which are present in the final tea product and related to its quality or functional properties, are produced during the tea manufacturing process. However, the characteristic secondary metabolites, which give tea its unique qualities and are beneficial to human health, are produced mainly in the leaves during the process of plant growth. Therefore, it is important to understand how tea leaves produce these specialized metabolites. In this review, we first compare the common metabolites and specialized metabolites in tea, coffee, cocoa, and grape and discuss the occurrence of characteristic secondary metabolites in tea. Progress in research into the formation of these characteristic secondary metabolites in tea is summarized, including establishing a biological database and genetic transformation system, and the biosynthesis of characteristic secondary metabolites. Finally, speculation on future research into the characteristic secondary metabolites of tea is provided from the viewpoints of the origin, resources, cultivation, and processing of tea. This review provides an important reference for future research on the specialized metabolites of tea in terms of its characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinyin Liao
- Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaochen Zhou
- Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lanting Zeng
- Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Center of Economic Botany, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
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10
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Yue Y, Wang L, Yu R, Chen F, He J, Li X, Yu Y, Fan Y. Coordinated and High-Level Expression of Biosynthetic Pathway Genes Is Responsible for the Production of a Major Floral Scent Compound Methyl Benzoate in Hedychium coronarium. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:650582. [PMID: 33897740 PMCID: PMC8058416 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.650582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Methyl benzoate is a constituent of floral scent profile of many flowering plants. However, its biosynthesis, particularly in monocots, is scarcely reported. The monocot Hedychium coronarium is a popular ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical regions partly for its intense and inviting fragrance, which is mainly determined by methyl benzoate and monoterpenes. Interestingly, several related Hedychium species lack floral scent. Here, we studied the molecular mechanism of methyl benzoate biosynthesis in H. coronarium. The emission of methyl benzoate in H. coronarium was found to be flower-specific and developmentally regulated. As such, seven candidate genes associated with methyl benzoate biosynthesis were identified from flower transcriptome of H. coronarium and isolated. Among them, HcBSMT1 and HcBSMT2 were demonstrated to catalyze the methylation of benzoic acid and salicylic acid to form methyl benzoate and methyl salicylate, respectively. Methyl salicylate is a minor constituent of H. coronarium floral scent. Kinetic analysis revealed that HcBSMT2 exhibits a 16.6-fold lower Km value for benzoic acid than HcBSMT1, indicating its dominant role for floral methyl benzoate formation. The seven genes associated with methyl benzoate biosynthesis exhibited flower-specific or flower-preferential expression that was developmentally regulated. The gene expression and correlation analysis suggests that HcCNL and HcBSMT2 play critical roles in the regulation of methyl benzoate biosynthesis. Comparison of emission and gene expression among four Hedychium species suggested that coordinated and high-level expression of biosynthetic pathway genes is responsible for the massive emission of floral methyl benzoate in H. coronarium. Our results provide new insights into the molecular mechanism for methyl benzoate biosynthesis in monocots and identify useful molecular targets for genetic modification of scent-related traits in Hedychium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuechong Yue
- The Research Center for Ornamental Plants, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lan Wang
- The Research Center for Ornamental Plants, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rangcai Yu
- College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Jieling He
- The Research Center for Ornamental Plants, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinyue Li
- The Research Center for Ornamental Plants, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunyi Yu
- The Research Center for Ornamental Plants, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanping Fan
- The Research Center for Ornamental Plants, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yanping Fan
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Zhou MZ, Yan CY, Zeng Z, Luo L, Zeng W, Huang YH. N-Methyltransferases of Caffeine Biosynthetic Pathway in Plants. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2020; 68:15359-15372. [PMID: 33206517 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c06167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Caffeine (Cf) is one of the important components of plant-derived drinks, such as tea, coffee, and cola. It can protect soft tissues from being infected by pathogens and is also medically beneficial for human health. In this review, we first introduced the Cf biosynthesis pathways in plants and the related N-methyltransferases (NMTs), with a focus on the current research status of the substrate specificity, structural basis for substrate recognition, and catalytic mechanism in members of the caffeine synthase gene family. In addition, we addressed the expression characteristics and potential regulatory mechanisms of NMTs and also projected the future research directions. The goal was to summarize the Cf biosynthetic pathway and related NMTs in plants and to provide the molecular basis for regulating the caffeine biosynthesis, so as to effectively guide future tea and coffee breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Zhen Zhou
- Department of Tea Science, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Chang-Yu Yan
- Department of Tea Science, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhen Zeng
- Department of Tea Science, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Li Luo
- Department of Tea Science, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Wen Zeng
- Department of Tea Science, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Ya-Hui Huang
- Department of Tea Science, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, Guangzhou 510642, China
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12
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Yamashita H, Uchida T, Tanaka Y, Katai H, Nagano AJ, Morita A, Ikka T. Genomic predictions and genome-wide association studies based on RAD-seq of quality-related metabolites for the genomics-assisted breeding of tea plants. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17480. [PMID: 33060786 PMCID: PMC7562905 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74623-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Effectively using genomic information greatly accelerates conventional breeding and applying it to long-lived crops promotes the conversion to genomic breeding. Because tea plants are bred using conventional methods, we evaluated the potential of genomic predictions (GPs) and genome-wide association studies (GWASs) for the genetic breeding of tea quality-related metabolites using genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) detected from restriction site-associated DNA sequencing of 150 tea accessions. The present GP, based on genome-wide SNPs, and six models produced moderate prediction accuracy values (r) for the levels of most catechins, represented by ( -)-epigallocatechin gallate (r = 0.32-0.41) and caffeine (r = 0.44-0.51), but low r values for free amino acids and chlorophylls. Integrated analysis of GWAS and GP detected potential candidate genes for each metabolite using 80-160 top-ranked SNPs that resulted in the maximum cumulative prediction value. Applying GPs and GWASs to tea accession traits will contribute to genomics-assisted tea breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroto Yamashita
- Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
- United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagito, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan
| | - Tomoki Uchida
- Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
| | - Yasuno Tanaka
- Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
- United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagito, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Katai
- Shizuoka Prefectural Research Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Tea Research Center, 1706-11 Kurasawa, Kikugawa, Shizuoka, 439-0002, Japan
- Shizuoka Prefecture Chubu Agriculture and Forestry Office, 2-20 Ariake-cho, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8031, Japan
| | - Atsushi J Nagano
- Faculty of Agriculture, Ryukoku University, 1-5 Yokotani, Seta Oe-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2194, Japan
| | - Akio Morita
- Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
- Institute for Tea Science, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
| | - Takashi Ikka
- Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan.
- Institute for Tea Science, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan.
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13
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Deng C, Ku X, Cheng LL, Pan SA, Fan L, Deng WW, Zhao J, Zhang ZZ. Metabolite and Transcriptome Profiling on Xanthine Alkaloids-Fed Tea Plant ( Camellia sinensis) Shoot Tips and Roots Reveal the Complex Metabolic Network for Caffeine Biosynthesis and Degradation. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:551288. [PMID: 33013969 PMCID: PMC7509060 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.551288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
While caffeine is one of the most important bioactive metabolites for tea as the most consumed non-alcohol beverage, its biosynthesis and catabolism in tea plants are still not fully understood. Here, we integrated purine alkaloid profiling and transcriptome analysis on shoot tips and roots fed with caffeine, theophylline, or theobromine to gain further understanding of caffeine biosynthesis and degradation. Shoot tips and roots easily took up and accumulated high concentrations of alkaloids, but roots showed much faster caffeine and theophylline degradation rates than shoot tips, which only degraded theophylline significantly but almost did not degrade caffeine. Clearly feedback inhibition on caffeine synthesis or inter-conversion between caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine, and 3-methylxanthine had been observed in alkaloids-fed shoot tips and roots, and these were also evidenced by significant repression of TCS and MXMT genes critical for caffeine biosynthesis. Among these responsively repressed genes, two highly expressed genes TCS-4 and TCS-8 were characterized for their enzyme activity. While we failed to detect TCS-4 activity, TCS-8 displayed N-methyltransferase activities towards multiple substrates, supporting the complex metabolic network in caffeine biosynthesis in tea plants since at least 13 TCS-like N-methyltransferase genes may function redundantly. This study provides new insight into complex metabolic networks of purine alkaloids in tea plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiuping Ku
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Lin-Lin Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Si-An Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Limao Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Wei-Wei Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Jian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Zheng-Zhu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
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Teng J, Yan C, Zeng W, Zhang Y, Zeng Z, Huang Y. Purification and characterization of theobromine synthase in a Theobromine-Enriched wild tea plant (Camellia gymnogyna Chang) from Dayao Mountain, China. Food Chem 2019; 311:125875. [PMID: 31753680 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2019.125875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Camellia gymnogyna Chang (CgC), a wild tea plant, was discovered on Dayao Mountain, China. However, research regarding this tea plant is limited. Our study found that CgC contains theobromine, caffeine, and theacrine, among which theobromine content was the highest (14.37-39.72 mg/g). In addition, theobromine synthase (TS) was partially purified from CgC leaves, up to 35.87-fold, with consecutive chromatography, and its molecular weight was found to be approximately 62 kDa. The optimum reaction time, pH, and temperature for theobromine synthase from 7-methylxanthine was found to be 6 h, 4, and 45 °C, respectively. TS expression at both mRNA and protein stages was higher in the first than in the fourth leaf (P < 0.05). Subcellular localization of TS indicated that it was localized in the nucleus. These results indicate that CgC can be of scientific value and could lead to efficient utilization of this rare wild tea germplasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Teng
- Department of Tea Science, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Department of Tea Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Changyu Yan
- Department of Tea Science, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Wen Zeng
- Department of Tea Science, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yuqian Zhang
- Department of Tea Science, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhen Zeng
- Department of Tea Science, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Yahui Huang
- Department of Tea Science, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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15
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Ogino A, Taniguchi F, Yoshida K, Matsumoto S, Fukuoka H, Nesumi A. A new DNA marker CafLess-TCS1 for selection of caffeine-less tea plants. BREEDING SCIENCE 2019; 69:393-400. [PMID: 31598071 PMCID: PMC6776138 DOI: 10.1270/jsbbs.18161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
A clonal line of Camellia taliensis, 'Taliensis-akeme' has a recessive caffeine-less gene. To accelerate breeding of caffeine-less tea cultivars using this gene, DNA markers are indispensable for selecting heterozygotes that do not show a caffeine-less phenotype as parental lines. Therefore, we tried to determine the sequence of the six tea caffeine synthase (TCS) genes to search for polymorphisms and to prepare one of the TCS genes as a selection marker. Six TCS genes and the caffeine-less trait were mapped on the reference linkage map of tea. Strong linkage between the caffeine-less phenotype and TCS1 indicate that it is a promising candidate as a causative gene of the caffeine-less trait. We decided to use a three-nucleotide insertion in TCS1 that can be distinguished by sequencing as a selection marker named 'CafLess-TCS1'. Caffeine-less individuals appeared in the progeny population of caffeine-less heterozygous individuals selected using 'CafLess-TCS1'. These results confirmed that the developed 'CafLess-TCS1' will be an effective selection marker for breeding of caffeine-less tea cultivars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Ogino
- Institute of Fruit Tree and Tea Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO),
87 Seto, Makurazaki, Kagoshima 898-0087,
Japan
- Corresponding author (e-mail: )
| | - Fumiya Taniguchi
- Institute of Fruit Tree and Tea Science, NARO,
2-1 Fujimoto, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8605,
Japan
| | - Katsuyuki Yoshida
- Institute of Fruit Tree and Tea Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO),
87 Seto, Makurazaki, Kagoshima 898-0087,
Japan
| | - Satoru Matsumoto
- Institute of Vegetable and Floriculture Science, NARO,
360 Kusawa, Ano, Tsu, Mie 514-2392,
Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Fukuoka
- formerly National Institute of Vegetable and Tea Science, NARO,
360 Kusawa, Ano, Tsu, Mie 514-2392,
Japan
| | - Atsushi Nesumi
- Institute of Fruit Tree and Tea Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO),
87 Seto, Makurazaki, Kagoshima 898-0087,
Japan
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16
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Morris JS, Facchini PJ. Molecular Origins of Functional Diversity in Benzylisoquinoline Alkaloid Methyltransferases. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:1058. [PMID: 31543888 PMCID: PMC6730481 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.01058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
O- and N-methylations are ubiquitous and recurring features in the biosynthesis of many specialized metabolites. Accordingly, the methyltransferase (MT) enzymes catalyzing these modifications are directly responsible for a substantial fraction of the vast chemodiversity observed in plants. Enabled by DNA sequencing and synthesizing technologies, recent studies have revealed and experimentally validated the trajectories of molecular evolution through which MTs, such as those biosynthesizing caffeine, emerge and shape plant chemistry. Despite these advances, the evolutionary origins of many other alkaloid MTs are still unclear. Focusing on benzylisoquinoline alkaloid (BIA)-producing plants such as opium poppy, we review the functional breadth of BIA N- and O-MT enzymes and their relationship with the chemical diversity of their host species. Drawing on recent structural studies, we discuss newfound insight regarding the molecular determinants of BIA MT function and highlight key hypotheses to be tested. We explore what is known and suspected concerning the evolutionary histories of BIA MTs and show that substantial advances in this domain are within reach. This new knowledge is expected to greatly enhance our conceptual understanding of the evolutionary origins of specialized metabolism.
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Zhu B, Chen LB, Lu M, Zhang J, Han J, Deng WW, Zhang ZZ. Caffeine Content and Related Gene Expression: Novel Insight into Caffeine Metabolism in Camellia Plants Containing Low, Normal, and High Caffeine Concentrations. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2019; 67:3400-3411. [PMID: 30830771 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.9b00240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Caffeine is a crucial secondary metabolic product in tea plants. Although the presence of caffeine in tea plants has been identified, the molecular mechanisms regulating relevant caffeine metabolism remain unclear. For the elucidation of the caffeine biosynthesis and catabolism in Camellia plants, fresh, germinated leaves from four Camellia plants with low (2), normal (1), and high (1) caffeine concentrations, namely, low-caffeine tea 1 (LCT1, Camellia crassicolumna), low-caffeine tea 2 (LCT2, C. crassicolumna), Shuchazao (SCZ, C. sinensis), and Yunkang 43 (YK43, C. sinensis) were used in this research. Transcriptome and purine alkaloids analyses of these Camellia leaves were performed using RNA-Seq and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Moreover, 15N-caffeine tracing was performed to determine the metabolic fate of caffeine in leaves of these plants. Caffeine content was correlated with related gene expression levels, and a quantitative real-time (qRT) PCR analysis of specific genes showed a consistent tendency with the obtained transcriptomic analysis. On the basis of the results of stable isotope-labeled tracer experiments, we discovered a degradation pathway of caffeine to theobromine. These findings could assist researchers in understanding the caffeine-related mechanisms in Camellia plants containing low, normal, and high caffeine content and be applied to caffeine regulation and breeding improvement in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biying Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea and Food Science & Technology , Anhui Agricultural University , Hefei , Anhui 230036 , China
| | - Lin-Bo Chen
- Tea Research Institute , Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Menghai , Yunnan 666201 , China
| | - Mengqian Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea and Food Science & Technology , Anhui Agricultural University , Hefei , Anhui 230036 , China
| | - Jing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea and Food Science & Technology , Anhui Agricultural University , Hefei , Anhui 230036 , China
| | - Jieyun Han
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea and Food Science & Technology , Anhui Agricultural University , Hefei , Anhui 230036 , China
| | - Wei-Wei Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea and Food Science & Technology , Anhui Agricultural University , Hefei , Anhui 230036 , China
| | - Zheng-Zhu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea and Food Science & Technology , Anhui Agricultural University , Hefei , Anhui 230036 , China
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18
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Li NN, Lu JL, Li QS, Zheng XQ, Wang XC, Wang L, Wang YC, Ding CQ, Liang YR, Yang YJ. Dissection of Chemical Composition and Associated Gene Expression in the Pigment-Deficient Tea Cultivar 'Xiaoxueya' Reveals an Albino Phenotype and Metabolite Formation. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:1543. [PMID: 31827483 PMCID: PMC6890721 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.01543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The tea cultivar 'Xiaoxueya', a temperature-sensitive albino mutant, is a rare tea germplasm because of its highly enriched amino acid content and brisk flavour. In comparison with green leaf tissues of 'Xiaoxueya', albino leaves show significant deficiency in chlorophylls and carotenoids and severely disrupted chloroplasts. Furthermore, the accumulation of quality-related secondary metabolites is altered in 'Xiaoxueya' albino leaf, with significantly increased contents of total amino acids, theanine, and glutamic acid and significantly decreased contents of alkaloids, catechins, and polyphenols. To uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying albinism and quality-related constituent variation in 'Xiaoxueya' leaves, expression profiles of pivotal genes involved in the biosynthetic pathways of pigments, caffeine, theanine, and catechins were investigated by quantitative real-time PCR technology. The results revealed that suppressed expression of the chloroplast-localized 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase genes DXS1 and DXS2 involved in the 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol-4-phosphate (MEP) pathway and protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase genes POR1 and POR2 involved in the chlorophyll biosynthetic pathway is responsible for the pigment deficiency in 'Xiaoxueya' albino leaf. Additionally, the low expression of the tea caffeine synthase gene (TCS) involved in caffeine biosynthesis and the chalcone synthase genes CHS1, CHS2, and CHS3, the chalcone isomerase gene CHI, the flavonoid 3',5'-hydroxylase genes F3'5'H1 and F3'5'H2, and the anthocyanidin reductase genes ANR1 and ANR2 involved in the flavonoid pathway is related to the reduction in alkaloid and catechin levels in 'Xiaoxueya' albino leaves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na-Na Li
- Key Laboratory of Tea Biology and Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Center for Tea Plant Improvement, Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Tea Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian-Liang Lu
- Tea Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qing-Sheng Li
- Tea Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xin-Qiang Zheng
- Tea Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xin-Chao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tea Biology and Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Center for Tea Plant Improvement, Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tea Biology and Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Center for Tea Plant Improvement, Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Chun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tea Biology and Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Center for Tea Plant Improvement, Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chang-Qing Ding
- Key Laboratory of Tea Biology and Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Center for Tea Plant Improvement, Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue-Rong Liang
- Tea Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yue-Rong Liang, ; Ya-Jun Yang,
| | - Ya-Jun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Tea Biology and Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Center for Tea Plant Improvement, Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yue-Rong Liang, ; Ya-Jun Yang,
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19
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Pech-Kú R, Muñoz-Sánchez JA, Monforte-González M, Vázquez-Flota F, Rodas-Junco BA, Hernández-Sotomayor SMT. Caffeine Extraction, Enzymatic Activity and Gene Expression of Caffeine Synthase from Plant Cell Suspensions. J Vis Exp 2018. [PMID: 30346406 DOI: 10.3791/58166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) is a purine alkaloid present in popular drinks such as coffee and tea. This secondary metabolite is regarded as a chemical defense because it has antimicrobial activity and is considered a natural insecticide. Caffeine can also produce negative allelopathic effects that prevent the growth of surrounding plants. In addition, people around the world consume caffeine for its analgesic and stimulatory effects. Due to interest in the technological applications of caffeine, research on the biosynthetic pathway of this compound has grown. These studies have primarily focused on understanding the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that regulate the biosynthesis of caffeine. In vitro tissue culture has become a useful system for studying this biosynthetic pathway. This article will describe a step-by-step protocol for the quantification of caffeine and for measuring the transcript levels of the gene (CCS1) encoding caffeine synthase (CS) in cell suspensions of C. arabica L. as well as its activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Pech-Kú
- Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular de Plantas, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán
| | - J Armando Muñoz-Sánchez
- Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular de Plantas, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán
| | - Miriam Monforte-González
- Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular de Plantas, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán
| | - Felipe Vázquez-Flota
- Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular de Plantas, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán
| | - Beatriz A Rodas-Junco
- CONACYT, Facultad de Ingeniería Química, Campus de Ciencias Exactas e Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán
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20
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Convergent evolution of caffeine in plants by co-option of exapted ancestral enzymes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 113:10613-8. [PMID: 27638206 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1602575113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Convergent evolution is a process that has occurred throughout the tree of life, but the historical genetic and biochemical context promoting the repeated independent origins of a trait is rarely understood. The well-known stimulant caffeine, and its xanthine alkaloid precursors, has evolved multiple times in flowering plant history for various roles in plant defense and pollination. We have shown that convergent caffeine production, surprisingly, has evolved by two previously unknown biochemical pathways in chocolate, citrus, and guaraná plants using either caffeine synthase- or xanthine methyltransferase-like enzymes. However, the pathway and enzyme lineage used by any given plant species is not predictable from phylogenetic relatedness alone. Ancestral sequence resurrection reveals that this convergence was facilitated by co-option of genes maintained over 100 million y for alternative biochemical roles. The ancient enzymes of the Citrus lineage were exapted for reactions currently used for various steps of caffeine biosynthesis and required very few mutations to acquire modern-day enzymatic characteristics, allowing for the evolution of a complete pathway. Future studies aimed at manipulating caffeine content of plants will require the use of different approaches given the metabolic and genetic diversity revealed by this study.
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21
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Regulation of miR163 and its targets in defense against Pseudomonas syringae in Arabidopsis thaliana. Sci Rep 2017; 7:46433. [PMID: 28401908 PMCID: PMC5388894 DOI: 10.1038/srep46433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Small RNAs are important regulators for a variety of biological processes, including leaf development, flowering-time, embryogenesis and defense responses. miR163 is a non-conserved miRNA and its locus has evolved recently through inverted duplication of its target genes to which they belong to the SABATH family of related small-molecule methyltransferases (MTs). In Arabidopsis thaliana, previous study demonstrated that miR163 accumulation was induced by alamethicin treatment, suggesting its roles in defense response pathways. Enhanced resistance against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) was observed in the mir163 mutant, whereas transgenic lines overexpressing miR163 showed increase sensitivity to Pst, suggesting that miR163 is a negative regulator of defense response. Elevated level of miR163 and its targets in A. thaliana were observed upon Pst treatment, suggesting a modulating relationship between miR163 and its targets. In addition, miR163 and histone deacetylase were found to act cooperatively in mediating defense against Pst. Transgenic plants overexpressing miR163-resistant targets suggested their different contributions in defense. Results from this study revealed that the stress-inducible miR163 and its targets act in concert to modulate defense responses against bacterial pathogen in A. thaliana.
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22
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Li M, Sun Y, Pan SA, Deng WW, Yu O, Zhang Z. Engineering a novel biosynthetic pathway in Escherichia coli for the production of caffeine. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ra10986e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This work demonstrated a novel biosynthetic pathway to produce caffeine in Escherichia coli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization
- Anhui Agricultural University
- Hefei 230036
- People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization
- Anhui Agricultural University
- Hefei 230036
- People's Republic of China
| | - Si-an Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization
- Anhui Agricultural University
- Hefei 230036
- People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-wei Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization
- Anhui Agricultural University
- Hefei 230036
- People's Republic of China
| | | | - Zhengzhu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization
- Anhui Agricultural University
- Hefei 230036
- People's Republic of China
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23
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Xanthine Alkaloids: Occurrence, Biosynthesis, and Function in Plants. PROGRESS IN THE CHEMISTRY OF ORGANIC NATURAL PRODUCTS 105 2017; 105:1-88. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-49712-9_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Jin JQ, Yao MZ, Ma CL, Ma JQ, Chen L. Association mapping of caffeine content with TCS1 in tea plant and its related species. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2016; 105:251-259. [PMID: 27116373 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2016.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2016] [Revised: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Caffeine is the most abundant purine alkaloid in majority of tea plant and its related species. This purine alkaloid contributes to the important flavor and health attributes of tea. Tea caffeine synthase 1 (TCS1, EC 2.1.1.159/2.1.1.160) gene plays a crucial role in caffeine biosynthesis. The objective of this study was to investigate the genetic relationship between the TCS1 and caffeine content of tea plant and its related species using association mapping. We identified 87 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs, π = 0.00447) by resequencing the TCS1 locus of 44 tea accessions. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis showed that LD did not extend over the entire gene (r(2) < 0.1, within 1000 bp). Two cleaved amplified polymorphism sequence (CAPS) markers were developed from sequence variations (SNP4318 and SNP6252). By association mapping, we identified SNP4318 associated with caffeine content in four environments, explaining 4.0%-7.7% of the phenotypic variance. We also validated the significant marker-trait associations in site-directed mutagenesis experiments. Examination of allelic variation and linkage disequilibrium by a candidate-gene-based approach can help to decipher the genetic basis of caffeine biosynthesis. Moreover, the SNP marker identified in this study can potentially be applied for future marker-assisted selection to improve tea quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Qiang Jin
- Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Center for Tea Improvement, Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, 9 South Meiling Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310008, China
| | - Ming-Zhe Yao
- Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Center for Tea Improvement, Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, 9 South Meiling Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310008, China
| | - Chun-Lei Ma
- Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Center for Tea Improvement, Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, 9 South Meiling Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310008, China
| | - Jian-Qiang Ma
- Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Center for Tea Improvement, Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, 9 South Meiling Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310008, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Center for Tea Improvement, Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, 9 South Meiling Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310008, China.
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Ashihara H. Biosynthetic Pathways of Purine and Pyridine Alkaloids in Coffee Plants. Nat Prod Commun 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x1601100742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Caffeine (1,3,7- N-trimethylxanthine) and trigonelline (1 N-methylnicotinic acid) are major alkaloids in coffee plants. The key enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of these compounds are very closely related N-methyltransferases belonging to the motif B’ family of methyltransferases. The major biosynthetic pathways of caffeine and trigonelline are summarized in this review, including new evidence obtained from recombinant enzymes. In addition, precursor supply pathways are discussed with newly obtained results. Transgenic plants produced by the modification of the expression of N-methyltransferase genes are also introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Ashihara
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ochanomizu University, Tokyo, 112-8610, Japan
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Jin JQ, Yao MZ, Ma CL, Ma JQ, Chen L. Natural allelic variations of TCS1 play a crucial role in caffeine biosynthesis of tea plant and its related species. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2016; 100:18-26. [PMID: 26773541 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2015.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Revised: 12/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/31/2015] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Tea caffeine synthase 1 (TCS1) is an enzyme that catalyzes the methylation of N-3 and N-1 and considered to be the most critical enzyme in the caffeine biosynthetic pathway of tea plant. This study shows that TCS1 has six types of allelic variations, namely, TCS1a, TCS1b, TCS1c, TCS1d, TCS1e, and TCS1f, with a 252 bp insertion/deletion mutation in the 5'-untranslated region. Among tea plant and its related species, TCS1a is the predominant allele, and TCS1b-f are the rare alleles that mainly appear in few wild germplasms. The full-length cDNA sequences of three new alleles, namely, TCS1d, TCS1e, and TCS1f, were isolated from specific germplasms, and all of recombinant proteins have higher caffeine synthase (CS, EC 2.1.1.160) activity than theobromine synthase (TS, EC 2.1.1.159). Amino acid residue 269 is responsible for the difference in TCS activity and substrate recognition, which was demonstrated by using site-directed mutagenesis experiments. Furthermore, natural variations in TCS1 change the transcription levels. There are two molecular mechanisms controlling the caffeine biosynthesis in low-caffeine-accumulating tea germplasms, i.e., TCS1 allele with low transcription level or its encoded protein with only TS activity. Allelic variations of TCS1 play a crucial role in caffeine biosynthesis. Taken together, our work provides valuable foundation for a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism of caffeine biosynthesis in section Thea plants and useful guidance for effective breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Qiang Jin
- Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Center for Tea Improvement, Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, 9 South Meiling Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310008, China
| | - Ming-Zhe Yao
- Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Center for Tea Improvement, Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, 9 South Meiling Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310008, China
| | - Chun-Lei Ma
- Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Center for Tea Improvement, Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, 9 South Meiling Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310008, China
| | - Jian-Qiang Ma
- Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Center for Tea Improvement, Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, 9 South Meiling Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310008, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Center for Tea Improvement, Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, 9 South Meiling Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310008, China.
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Li CF, Zhu Y, Yu Y, Zhao QY, Wang SJ, Wang XC, Yao MZ, Luo D, Li X, Chen L, Yang YJ. Global transcriptome and gene regulation network for secondary metabolite biosynthesis of tea plant (Camellia sinensis). BMC Genomics 2015. [PMID: 26220550 PMCID: PMC4518527 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-1773-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Major secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, caffeine, and theanine, are important components of tea products and are closely related to the taste, flavor, and health benefits of tea. Secondary metabolite biosynthesis in Camellia sinensis is differentially regulated in different tissues during growth and development. Until now, little was known about the expression patterns of genes involved in secondary metabolic pathways or their regulatory mechanisms. This study aimed to generate expression profiles for C. sinensis tissues and to build a gene regulation model of the secondary metabolic pathways. Results RNA sequencing was performed on 13 different tissue samples from various organs and developmental stages of tea plants, including buds and leaves of different ages, stems, flowers, seeds, and roots. A total of 43.7 Gbp of raw sequencing data were generated, from which 347,827 unigenes were assembled and annotated. There were 46,693, 8446, 3814, 10,206, and 4948 unigenes specifically expressed in the buds and leaves, stems, flowers, seeds, and roots, respectively. In total, 1719 unigenes were identified as being involved in the secondary metabolic pathways in C. sinensis, and the expression patterns of the genes involved in flavonoid, caffeine, and theanine biosynthesis were characterized, revealing the dynamic nature of their regulation during plant growth and development. The possible transcription factor regulation network for the biosynthesis of flavonoid, caffeine, and theanine was built, encompassing 339 transcription factors from 35 families, namely bHLH, MYB, and NAC, among others. Remarkably, not only did the data reveal the possible critical check points in the flavonoid, caffeine, and theanine biosynthesis pathways, but also implicated the key transcription factors and related mechanisms in the regulation of secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Conclusions Our study generated gene expression profiles for different tissues at different developmental stages in tea plants. The gene network responsible for the regulation of the secondary metabolic pathways was analyzed. Our work elucidated the possible cross talk in gene regulation between the secondary metabolite biosynthetic pathways in C. sinensis. The results increase our understanding of how secondary metabolic pathways are regulated during plant development and growth cycles, and help pave the way for genetic selection and engineering for germplasm improvement. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1773-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Fang Li
- Key Laboratory of Tea Biology and Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310008, China.
| | - Yan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Yao Yu
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Qiong-Yi Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Present address: The University of Queensland, Queensland Brain Institute, Brisbane St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Sheng-Jun Wang
- Suzhou Genezym Biological Technology Co, Ltd, Suzhou, 215011, China.
| | - Xin-Chao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tea Biology and Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310008, China.
| | - Ming-Zhe Yao
- Key Laboratory of Tea Biology and Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310008, China.
| | - Da Luo
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
| | - Xuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Liang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tea Biology and Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310008, China.
| | - Ya-Jun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Tea Biology and Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310008, China.
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Nakayama F, Mizuno K, Kato M. Biosynthesis of Caffeine Underlying the Diversity of Motif B’ Methyltransferase. Nat Prod Commun 2015. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x1501000524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) and theobromine (3,7-dimethylxanthine) are well-known purine alkaloids in Camellia, Coffea, Cola, Paullinia, Ilex, and Theobroma spp. The caffeine biosynthetic pathway depends on the substrate specificity of N-methyltransferases, which are members of the motif B’ methyl-transferase family. The caffeine biosynthetic pathways in purine alkaloid-containing plants might have evolved in parallel with one another, consistent with different catalytic properties of the enzymes involved in these pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumiyo Nakayama
- Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences, Ochanomizu University, Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112–8610, Japan
| | - Kouichi Mizuno
- Faculty of Bioresource of Science, Akita Prefectural University, Akita City, Akita 010-0195, Japan
| | - Misako Kato
- Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences, Ochanomizu University, Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112–8610, Japan
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Jin L, Bhuiya MW, Li M, Liu X, Han J, Deng W, Wang M, Yu O, Zhang Z. Metabolic engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for caffeine and theobromine production. PLoS One 2014; 9:e105368. [PMID: 25133732 PMCID: PMC4136831 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Caffeine (1, 3, 7-trimethylxanthine) and theobromine (3, 7-dimethylxanthine) are the major purine alkaloids in plants, e.g. tea (Camellia sinensis) and coffee (Coffea arabica). Caffeine is a major component of coffee and is used widely in food and beverage industries. Most of the enzymes involved in the caffeine biosynthetic pathway have been reported previously. Here, we demonstrated the biosynthesis of caffeine (0.38 mg/L) by co-expression of Coffea arabica xanthosine methyltransferase (CaXMT) and Camellia sinensis caffeine synthase (TCS) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Furthermore, we endeavored to develop this production platform for making other purine-based alkaloids. To increase the catalytic activity of TCS in an effort to increase theobromine production, we identified four amino acid residues based on structural analyses of 3D-model of TCS. Two TCS1 mutants (Val317Met and Phe217Trp) slightly increased in theobromine accumulation and simultaneously decreased in caffeine production. The application and further optimization of this biosynthetic platform are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Jin
- Key Laboratory of Tea Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, PR China
| | | | - Mengmeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Tea Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, PR China
| | - XiangQi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tea Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, PR China
| | - Jixiang Han
- Conagen Inc., St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - WeiWei Deng
- Key Laboratory of Tea Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, PR China
| | - Min Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tea Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, PR China
| | - Oliver Yu
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Zhengzhu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tea Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, PR China
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30
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Lin X, Chen Z, Zhang Y, Gao X, Luo W, Li B. Interactions among chemical components of Cocoa tea (Camellia ptilophylla Chang), a naturally low caffeine-containing tea species. Food Funct 2014; 5:1175-85. [DOI: 10.1039/c3fo60720h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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van Breda SV, van der Merwe CF, Robbertse H, Apostolides Z. Immunohistochemical localization of caffeine in young Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze (tea) leaves. PLANTA 2013; 237:849-858. [PMID: 23143222 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-012-1804-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2012] [Accepted: 10/30/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The anatomical localization of caffeine within young Camellia sinensis leaves was investigated using immunohistochemical methods and confocal scanning laser microscopy. Preliminary fixation experiments were conducted with young C. sinensis leaves to determine which fixation procedure retained caffeine the best as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. High pressure freezing, freeze substitution, and embedding in resin was deemed the best protocol as it retained most of the caffeine and allowed for the samples to be sectioned with ease. Immunohistochemical localization with primary anti-caffeine antibodies and conjugated secondary antibodies on leaf sections proved at the tissue level that caffeine was localized and accumulated within vascular bundles, mainly the precursor phloem. With the use of a pressure bomb, xylem sap was collected using a micro syringe. The xylem sap was analyzed by thin-layer chromatography and the presence of caffeine was determined. We hypothesize that caffeine is synthesized in the chloroplasts of photosynthetic cells and transported to vascular bundles where it acts as a chemical defense against various pathogens and predators. Complex formation of caffeine with chlorogenic acid is also discussed as this may also help explain caffeine's localization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane V van Breda
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Pretoria, Lynnwood Road, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0002, Gauteng, South Africa.
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Pang Y, Abeysinghe ISB, He J, He X, Huhman D, Mewan KM, Sumner LW, Yun J, Dixon RA. Functional characterization of proanthocyanidin pathway enzymes from tea and their application for metabolic engineering. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2013; 161:1103-16. [PMID: 23288883 PMCID: PMC3585583 DOI: 10.1104/pp.112.212050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2012] [Accepted: 12/29/2012] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Tea (Camellia sinensis) is rich in specialized metabolites, especially polyphenolic proanthocyanidins (PAs) and their precursors. To better understand the PA pathway in tea, we generated a complementary DNA library from leaf tissue of the blister blight-resistant tea cultivar TRI2043 and functionally characterized key enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis of PA precursors. Structural genes encoding enzymes involved in the general phenylpropanoid/flavonoid pathway and the PA-specific branch pathway were well represented in the library. Recombinant tea leucoanthocyanidin reductase (CsLAR) expressed in Escherichia coli was active with leucocyanidin as substrate to produce the 2R,3S-trans-flavan-ol (+)-catechin in vitro. Two genes encoding anthocyanidin reductase, CsANR1 and CsANR2, were also expressed in E. coli, and the recombinant proteins exhibited similar kinetic properties. Both converted cyanidin to a mixture of (+)-epicatechin and (-)-catechin, although in different proportions, indicating that both enzymes possess epimerase activity. These epimers were unexpected based on the belief that tea PAs are made from (-)-epicatechin and (+)-catechin. Ectopic expression of CsANR2 or CsLAR led to the accumulation of low levels of PA precursors and their conjugates in Medicago truncatula hairy roots and anthocyanin-overproducing tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), but levels of oligomeric PAs were very low. Surprisingly, the expression of CsLAR in tobacco overproducing anthocyanin led to the accumulation of higher levels of epicatechin and its glucoside than of catechin, again highlighting the potential importance of epimerization in flavan-3-ol biosynthesis. These data provide a resource for understanding tea PA biosynthesis and tools for the bioengineering of flavanols.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - I. Sarath B. Abeysinghe
- Plant Biology Division, Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401 (Y.P., J.H., X.H., D.H., L.W.S., J.Y., R.A.D.); and
- Biochemistry Division, Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka, Talawakelle 22100, Sri Lanka (I.S.B.A., K.M.M.)
| | - Ji He
- Plant Biology Division, Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401 (Y.P., J.H., X.H., D.H., L.W.S., J.Y., R.A.D.); and
- Biochemistry Division, Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka, Talawakelle 22100, Sri Lanka (I.S.B.A., K.M.M.)
| | - Xianzhi He
- Plant Biology Division, Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401 (Y.P., J.H., X.H., D.H., L.W.S., J.Y., R.A.D.); and
- Biochemistry Division, Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka, Talawakelle 22100, Sri Lanka (I.S.B.A., K.M.M.)
| | - David Huhman
- Plant Biology Division, Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401 (Y.P., J.H., X.H., D.H., L.W.S., J.Y., R.A.D.); and
- Biochemistry Division, Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka, Talawakelle 22100, Sri Lanka (I.S.B.A., K.M.M.)
| | - K. Mudith Mewan
- Plant Biology Division, Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401 (Y.P., J.H., X.H., D.H., L.W.S., J.Y., R.A.D.); and
- Biochemistry Division, Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka, Talawakelle 22100, Sri Lanka (I.S.B.A., K.M.M.)
| | - Lloyd W. Sumner
- Plant Biology Division, Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401 (Y.P., J.H., X.H., D.H., L.W.S., J.Y., R.A.D.); and
- Biochemistry Division, Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka, Talawakelle 22100, Sri Lanka (I.S.B.A., K.M.M.)
| | - Jianfei Yun
- Plant Biology Division, Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401 (Y.P., J.H., X.H., D.H., L.W.S., J.Y., R.A.D.); and
- Biochemistry Division, Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka, Talawakelle 22100, Sri Lanka (I.S.B.A., K.M.M.)
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Mohanpuria P, Kumar V, Ahuja PS, Yadav SK. Producing low-caffeine tea through post-transcriptional silencing of caffeine synthase mRNA. PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2011; 76:523-34. [PMID: 21562910 DOI: 10.1007/s11103-011-9785-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2010] [Accepted: 05/02/2011] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
In this study, attempt has been made to produce a selected cultivar of tea with low-caffeine content using RNAi technology. The caffeine biosynthetic pathway in tea has been proposed to involve three N-methyltransferases such as xanthosine methyltransferase, 7-N-methylxanthine methyltransferase and 3, 7-dimethylxanthine methyltransferase. Last two steps of caffeine biosynthesis in tea have been known to be catalyzed by a bifunctional enzyme known as caffeine synthase. To suppress the caffeine synthesis in the selected tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze] cv. Kangra jat, we isolated a partial fragment of caffeine synthase (CS) from the same cultivar and used to design RNAi construct (pFGC1008-CS). Somatic embryos were transformed with the developed construct using biolistic method. Transformed somatic embryos showed reduction in the levels of CS transcript expression as well as in caffeine content. Plants were regenerated from the transformed somatic embryos. Transgenic plants showed a significant suppression of CS transcript expression and also showed a reduction of 44-61% in caffeine and 46-67% in theobromine contents as compared to the controls. These results suggest that the RNAi construct developed here using a single partial fragment of CS gene reduced the expression of the targeted endogenous gene significantly. However, the reduction in theobromine content in addition to caffeine documented the involvement of this single CS in the catalysis of last two methyl transfer steps in caffeine biosynthesis of tea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Mohanpuria
- Biotechnology Division, Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, CSIR, Palampur, 176061, HP, India
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Ashihara H, Kato M, Crozier A. Distribution, biosynthesis and catabolism of methylxanthines in plants. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2011:11-31. [PMID: 20859792 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-13443-2_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Methylxanthines and methyluric acids are purine alkaloids that are synthesized in quantity in a limited number of plant species, including tea, coffee and cacao. This review summarizes the pathways, enzymes and related genes of caffeine biosynthesis. The main biosynthetic pathway is a sequence consisting of xanthosine → 7-methylxanthosine → 7-methylxanthine → theobromine → caffeine. Catabolism of caffeine starts with its conversion to theophylline. Typically, this reaction is very slow in caffeine-accumulating plants. Finally, the ecological roles of caffeine and the production of decaffeinated coffee plants are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Ashihara
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ochanomizu University, Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
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Deng WW, Ashihara H. Profiles of purine metabolism in leaves and roots of Camellia sinensis seedlings. PLANT & CELL PHYSIOLOGY 2010; 51:2105-18. [PMID: 21071429 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcq175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
To determine the metabolic profiles of purine nucleotides and related compounds in leaves and roots of tea (Camellia sinensis), we studied the in situ metabolic fate of 10 different (14)C-labeled precursors in segments from tea seedlings. The activities of key enzymes in tea leaf extracts were also investigated. The rates of uptake of purine precursors were greater in leaf segments than in root segments. Adenine and adenosine were taken up more rapidly than other purine bases and nucleosides. Xanthosine was slowest. Some adenosine, guanosine and inosine was converted to nucleotides by adenosine kinase and inosine/guanosine kinase, but these compounds were easily hydrolyzed, and adenine, guanine and hypoxanthine were generated. These purine bases were salvaged by adenine phosphoribosyltransferase and hypoxanthine/guanine phosphoribosyltransferase. Salvage activity of adenine and adenosine was high, and they were converted exclusively to nucleotides. Inosine and hypoxanthine were salvaged to a lesser extent. In situ (14)C-tracer experiments revealed that xanthosine and xanthine were not salvaged, although xanthine phosphoribosyltransferase activity was found in tea extracts. Only some deoxyadenosine and deoxyguanosine was salvaged and utilized for DNA synthesis. However, most of these deoxynucleosides were hydrolyzed to adenine and guanine and then utilized for RNA synthesis. Purine alkaloid biosynthesis in leaves is much greater than in roots. In situ experiments indicate that adenosine, adenine, guanosine, guanine and inosine are better precursors than xanthosine, which is a direct precursor of a major pathway of caffeine biosynthesis. Based on these results, possible routes of purine metabolism are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Wei Deng
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences, Ochanomizu University, 2-1-1, Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 11-8610 Japan
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Kumar V, Ravishankar G. Current Trends in Producing Low Levels of Caffeine in Coffee Berry and Processed Coffee Powder. FOOD REVIEWS INTERNATIONAL 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/87559120802458099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Caffeine Biosynthesis and Degradation in Tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze] is under Developmental and Seasonal Regulation. Mol Biotechnol 2009; 43:104-11. [DOI: 10.1007/s12033-009-9188-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2009] [Accepted: 05/14/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Ishida M, Kitao N, Mizuno K, Tanikawa N, Kato M. Occurrence of theobromine synthase genes in purine alkaloid-free species of Camellia plants. PLANTA 2009; 229:559-568. [PMID: 19018565 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-008-0847-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2008] [Accepted: 10/20/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) and theobromine (3,7-dimethylxanthine) are purine alkaloids that are present in high concentrations in plants of some species of Camellia. However, most members of the genus Camellia contain no purine alkaloids. Tracer experiments using [8-(14)C]adenine and [8-(14)C]theobromine showed that the purine alkaloid pathway is not fully functional in leaves of purine alkaloid-free species. In five species of purine alkaloid-free Camellia plants, sufficient evidence was obtained to show the occurrence of genes that are homologous to caffeine synthase. Recombinant enzymes derived from purine alkaloid-free species showed only theobromine synthase activity. Unlike the caffeine synthase gene, these genes were expressed more strongly in mature tissue than in young tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Ishida
- Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences, Ochanomizu University, Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 112-8610, Japan
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Abstract
A few Camellia plants accumulate caffeine, theobromine and theacrine. The present article reviews the distribution of purine alkaloids and biosynthetic pathways, including properties and genes of the caffeine synthase family of enzymes, and catabolism. Plant physiological studies and ecology-related studies are also summarized briefly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misako Kato
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences, Ochanomizu University, Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8610, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ashihara
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences, Ochanomizu University, Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8610, Japan
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Zhu L, Deng WW, Ye AH, Yu M, Wang ZX, Jiang CJ. Cloning of two cDNAs encoding a family of ATP sulfurylase from Camellia sinensis related to selenium or sulfur metabolism and functional expression in Escherichia coli. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2008; 46:731-738. [PMID: 18657428 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2007.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2006] [Accepted: 03/29/2007] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
ATP sulfurylase, the first enzyme in the sulfate assimilation pathway of plants, catalyzes the formation of adenosine phosphosulfate from ATP and sulfate. Here we report the cloning of two cDNAs encoding ATP sulfurylase (APS1 and APS2) from Camellia sinensis. They were isolated by RT-PCR and RACE-PCR reactions. The expression of APS1 and APS2 are correlated with the presence of ATP sulfurylase enzyme activity in cell extracts. APS1 is a 1415-bp cDNA with an open reading frame predicted to encode a 360-amino acid, 40.5kD protein; APS2 is a 1706-bp cDNA with an open reading frame to encode a 465-amino acid, 51.8kD protein. The predicted amino acid sequences of APS1 and APS2 have high similarity to ATP sulfurylases of Medicago truncatula and Solanum tuberosum, with 86% and 84% identity respectively. However, they share only 59.6% identity with each other. The enzyme extracts prepared from recombinant Escherichia coli containing Camellia sinensis APS genes had significant enzyme activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Tea Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Agriculture, Anhui Agricultural University of China, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
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42
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Ashihara H, Sano H, Crozier A. Caffeine and related purine alkaloids: biosynthesis, catabolism, function and genetic engineering. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2008; 69:841-56. [PMID: 18068204 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2007.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2007] [Accepted: 10/15/2007] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Details of the recently elucidated biosynthetic pathways of caffeine and related purine alkaloids are reviewed. The main caffeine biosynthetic pathway is a sequence consisting of xanthosine-->7-methylxanthosine-->7-methylxanthine-->theobromine-->caffeine. Genes encoding N-methyltransferases involved in three of these four reactions have been isolated and the molecular structure of N-methyltransferases investigated. Pathways for the catabolism of caffeine have also been studied, although there are currently no reports of enzymatic and genetic studies having been successfully carried out. Metabolism of purine alkaloids in species including Camellia, Coffea, Theobroma and Ilex plants is summarised, and evidence for the involvement of caffeine in chemical defense and allelopathy is discussed. Finally, information is presented on metabolic engineering that has produced coffee seedlings with reduced caffeine content, and transgenic caffeine-producing tobacco plants with enhanced disease resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Ashihara
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences, Ochanomizu University, Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8610, Japan.
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Angelo PCS, Nunes-Silva CG, Brígido MM, Azevedo JSN, Assunção EN, Sousa ARB, Patrício FJB, Rego MM, Peixoto JCC, Oliveira WP, Freitas DV, Almeida ERP, Viana AMHA, Souza AFPN, Andrade EV, Acosta POA, Batista JS, Walter MEMT, Leomil L, Anjos DAS, Coimbra RCM, Barbosa MHN, Honda E, Pereira SS, Silva A, Pereira JO, Silva ML, Marins M, Holanda FJ, Abreu RMM, Pando SC, Gonçalves JFC, Carvalho ML, Leal-Mesquita ERRBP, da Silveira MA, Batista WC, Atroch AL, França SC, Porto JIR, Schneider MPC, Astolfi-Filho S. Guarana (Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis), an anciently consumed stimulant from the Amazon rain forest: the seeded-fruit transcriptome. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2008; 27:117-124. [PMID: 17917729 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-007-0456-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2007] [Revised: 08/30/2007] [Accepted: 09/10/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Guarana (Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis) is a plant native to the central Amazon basin. Roasted seed extracts have been used as medicinal beverages since pre-Colombian times, due to their reputation as stimulants, aphrodisiacs, tonics, as well as protectors of the gastrointestinal tract. Guarana plants are commercially cultivated exclusively in Brazil to supply the national carbonated soft-drink industry and natural product stores around the world. In this report, we describe and discuss the annotation of 15,387 ESTs from guarana seeded-fruits, highlighting sequences from the flavonoid and purine alkaloid pathways, and those related to biotic stress avoidance. This is the largest set of sequences registered for the Sapindaceae family.
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Székely G, Abrahám E, Cséplo A, Rigó G, Zsigmond L, Csiszár J, Ayaydin F, Strizhov N, Jásik J, Schmelzer E, Koncz C, Szabados L. Duplicated P5CS genes of Arabidopsis play distinct roles in stress regulation and developmental control of proline biosynthesis. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2008; 53:541-53. [PMID: 17971042 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-313x.2007.03360.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Delta-1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase enzymes, which catalyse the rate-limiting step of proline biosynthesis, are encoded by two closely related P5CS genes in Arabidopsis. Transcription of the P5CS genes is differentially regulated by drought, salinity and abscisic acid, suggesting that these genes play specific roles in the control of proline biosynthesis. Here we describe the genetic characterization of p5cs insertion mutants, which indicates that P5CS1 is required for proline accumulation under osmotic stress. Knockout mutations of P5CS1 result in the reduction of stress-induced proline synthesis, hypersensitivity to salt stress, and accumulation of reactive oxygen species. By contrast, p5cs2 mutations cause embryo abortion during late stages of seed development. The desiccation sensitivity of p5cs2 embryos does not reflect differential control of transcription, as both P5CS mRNAs are detectable throughout embryonic development. Cellular localization studies with P5CS-GFP gene fusions indicate that P5CS1 is sequestered into subcellular bodies in embryonic cells, where P5CS2 is dominantly cytoplasmic. Although proline feeding rescues the viability of mutant embryos, p5cs2 seedlings undergo aberrant development and fail to produce fertile plants even when grown on proline. In seedlings, specific expression of P5CS2-GFP is seen in leaf primordia where P5CS1-GFP levels are very low, and P5CS2-GFP also shows a distinct cell-type-specific and subcellular localization pattern compared to P5CS1-GFP in root tips, leaves and flower organs. These data demonstrate that the Arabidopsis P5CS enzymes perform non-redundant functions, and that P5CS1 is insufficient for compensation of developmental defects caused by inactivation of P5CS2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyöngyi Székely
- Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Center, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
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Wu X, Wu T, Long J, Yin Q, Zhang Y, Chen L, Liu R, Gao T, Dong H. Productivity and biochemical properties of green tea in response to full-length and functional fragments of HpaG Xooc, a harpin protein from the bacterial rice leaf streak pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola. J Biosci 2007; 32:1119-31. [PMID: 17954972 DOI: 10.1007/s12038-007-0113-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Harpin proteins from plant pathogenic bacteria can stimulate hypersensitive cell death (HCD), drought tolerance, defence responses against pathogens and insects in plants, as well as enhance plant growth. Recently, we identified nine functional fragments of HpaG;Xooc, a harpin protein from Xanthomonas oryzae pv.oryzicola, the pathogen that causes bacterial leaf streak in rice. Fragments HpaG;1-94'HpaG;10-42, and HpaG;62-138, which contain the HpaG;Xooc regions of the amino acid sequence as indicated by the number spans, exceed the parent protein in promoting growth, pathogen defence and HCD in plants. Here we report improved productivity and biochemical properties of green tea (Camellia sinensis) in response to the fragments tested in comparison with HpaG;Xooc and an inactive protein control. Field tests suggested that the four proteins markedly increased the growth and yield of green tea, and increased the leaf content of tea catechols, a group of compounds that have relevance in the prevention and treatment of human diseases. In particular, HpaG;1-94 was more active than HpaG;Xooc in expediting the growth of juvenile buds and leaves used as green tea material and increased the catechol content of processed teas. When tea shrubs were treated with HpaH;Xooc and HpaG;1-94 compared with a control, green tea yields were over 55% and 39% greater, and leaf catechols were increased by more than 64% and 72%, respectively. The expression of three homologues of the expansin genes, which regulate plant cell growth, and the CsCHS gene encoding a tea chalcone synthase, which critically regulates the biosynthesis of catechols, were induced in germinal leaves of tea plants following treatment with HpaG;1-94 or HpaG;Xooc. Higher levels of gene expression were induced by the application of HpaG;1-94 than HpaG;Xooc. Our results suggest that the harpin protein, especially the functional fragment HpaG;1-94, can be used to effectively increase the yield and improve the biochemical properties of green tea, a drink with medicinal properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Wu
- Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Plant Pathogens and Insect Pests, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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Facchini PJ. Regulation of alkaloid biosynthesis in plants. THE ALKALOIDS. CHEMISTRY AND BIOLOGY 2007; 63:1-44. [PMID: 17133713 DOI: 10.1016/s1099-4831(06)63001-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Facchini
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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48
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Abstract
Coffee beans contain two types of alkaloids, caffeine and trigonelline, as major components. This review describes the distribution and metabolism of these compounds. Caffeine is synthesised from xanthosine derived from purine nucleotides. The major biosynthetic route is xanthosine -> 7-methylxanthosine -> 7-methylxanthine -> theobromine -> caffeine. Degradation activity of caffeine in coffee plants is very low, but catabolism of theophylline is always present. Theophylline is converted to xanthine, and then enters the conventional purine degradation pathway. A recent development in caffeine research is the successful cloning of genes of N-methyltransferases and characterization of recombinant proteins of these genes. Possible biotechnological applications are discussed briefly. Trigonelline (N-methylnicotinic acid) is synthesised from nicotinic acid derived from nicotinamide adenine nucleotides. Nicotinate N-methyltransferase (trigonelline synthase) activity was detected in coffee plants, but purification of this enzyme or cloning of the genes of this N-methyltransferase has not yet been reported. The degradation activity of trigonelline in coffee plants is extremely low.
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Yoneyama N, Morimoto H, Ye CX, Ashihara H, Mizuno K, Kato M. Substrate specificity of N-methyltransferase involved in purine alkaloids synthesis is dependent upon one amino acid residue of the enzyme. Mol Genet Genomics 2005; 275:125-35. [PMID: 16333668 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-005-0070-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2005] [Accepted: 10/24/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) and theobromine (3,7-dimethylxanthine) are the major purine alkaloids in plants. To investigate the diversity of N-methyltransferases involved in purine alkaloid biosynthesis, we isolated the genes homologous for caffeine synthase from theobromine-accumulating plants. The predicted amino acid sequences of N-methyltransferases in theobromine-accumulating species in Camellia were more than 80% identical to caffeine synthase in C. sinensis. However, there was a little homology among the N-methyltransferases between Camellia and Theobroma. The recombinant enzymes derived from theobromine-accumulating plants had only 3-N-methyltransferase activity. The accumulation of purine alkaloids was, therefore, dependent on the substrate specificity of N-methyltransferase determined by one amino acid residue in the central part of the protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naho Yoneyama
- Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences, Ochanomizu University, Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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50
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Burga L, Wellmann F, Lukacin R, Witte S, Schwab W, Schröder J, Matern U. Unusual pseudosubstrate specificity of a novel 3,5-dimethoxyphenol O-methyltransferase cloned from Ruta graveolens L. Arch Biochem Biophys 2005; 440:54-64. [PMID: 16023070 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2005.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2005] [Revised: 05/25/2005] [Accepted: 05/26/2005] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A cDNA was cloned from Ruta graveolens cells encoding a novel O-methyltransferase (OMT) with high similarity to orcinol or chavicol/eugenol OMTs, but containing a serine-rich N-terminus and a 13 amino acid insertion between motifs IV and V. Expression in Escherichia coli revealed S-adenosyl-l-methionine-dependent OMT activity with methoxylated phenols only with an apparent Km of 20.4 for the prime substrate 3,5-dimethoxyphenol. The enzyme forms a homodimer of 84 kDa, and the activity was insignificantly affected by 2.0 mM Ca2+ or Mg2+, whereas Fe2+, Co2+, Zn2+, Cu2+ or Hg2+ were inhibitory (78-100%). Dithiothreitol (DTT) suppressed the OMT activity. This effect was examined further, and, in the presence of Zn2+ as a potential thiol methyltransferase (TMT) cofactor, the recombinant OMT methylated DTT to DTT-monomethylthioether. Sets of kinetic OMT experiments with 3,5-dimethoxyphenol at various Zn2+/DTT concentrations revealed the competitive binding of DTT with an apparent Ki of 52.0 microM. Thus, the OMT exhibited TMT activity with almost equivalent affinity to the thiol pseudosubstrate which is structurally unrelated to methoxyphenols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Burga
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Biologie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Deutschhausstrasse 17A, D-35037 Marburg, Germany
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