1
|
Lv Y, Zhu J, Huang S, Xing X, Zhou S, Yao H, Yang Z, Liu L, Huang S, Miao Y, Liu X, Fernie AR, Ding Y, Luo J. Metabolome profiling and transcriptome analysis filling the early crucial missing steps of piperine biosynthesis in Piper nigrum L. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 117:107-120. [PMID: 37753665 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), the world renown as the King of Spices, is not only a flavorsome spice but also a traditional herb. Piperine, a species-specific piper amide, is responsible for the major bioactivity and pungent flavor of black pepper. However, several key steps for the biosynthesis of piperoyl-CoA (acyl-donor) and piperidine (acyl-acceptor), two direct precursors for piperine, remain unknown. In this study, we used guilt-by-association analysis of the combined metabolome and transcriptome, to identify two feruloyldiketide-CoA synthases responsible for the production of the C5 side chain scaffold feruloyldiketide-CoA intermediate, which is considered the first and important step to branch metabolic fluxes from phenylpropanoid pathway to piperine biosynthesis. In addition, we also identified the first two key enzymes for piperidine biosynthesis derived from lysine in P. nigrum, namely a lysine decarboxylase and a copper amine oxidase. These enzymes catalyze the production of cadaverine and 1-piperideine, the precursors of piperidine. In vivo and in vitro experiments verified the catalytic capability of them. In conclusion, our findings revealed enigmatic key steps of piperine biosynthetic pathway and thus provide a powerful reference for dissecting the biosynthetic logic of other piper amides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Lv
- School of Breeding and Multiplication(Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Hainan University, Sanya, 572025, China
- Yazhouwan National Laboratory (YNL), Sanya, 572025, China
| | - Jinjin Zhu
- School of Breeding and Multiplication(Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Hainan University, Sanya, 572025, China
| | - Sihui Huang
- School of Breeding and Multiplication(Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Hainan University, Sanya, 572025, China
| | - Xiaoli Xing
- School of Breeding and Multiplication(Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Hainan University, Sanya, 572025, China
| | - Shen Zhou
- School of Breeding and Multiplication(Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Hainan University, Sanya, 572025, China
| | - Hui Yao
- School of Breeding and Multiplication(Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Hainan University, Sanya, 572025, China
| | - Zhuang Yang
- School of Breeding and Multiplication(Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Hainan University, Sanya, 572025, China
| | - Ling Liu
- School of Breeding and Multiplication(Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Hainan University, Sanya, 572025, China
| | - Sishu Huang
- School of Breeding and Multiplication(Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Hainan University, Sanya, 572025, China
| | - Yuanyuan Miao
- School of Breeding and Multiplication(Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Hainan University, Sanya, 572025, China
| | - Xianqing Liu
- School of Breeding and Multiplication(Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Hainan University, Sanya, 572025, China
| | - Alisdair R Fernie
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam-Golm, 14476, Germany
| | - Yuanhao Ding
- School of Breeding and Multiplication(Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Hainan University, Sanya, 572025, China
| | - Jie Luo
- School of Breeding and Multiplication(Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Hainan University, Sanya, 572025, China
- Yazhouwan National Laboratory (YNL), Sanya, 572025, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cotinguiba F, Debonsi HM, Silva RV, Pioli RM, Pinto RA, Felippe LG, López SN, Kato MJ, Furlan M. Amino acids L-phenylalanine and L-lysine involvement in trans and cis piperamides biosynthesis in two Piper species. BRAZ J BIOL 2023; 82:e268505. [PMID: 36651460 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.268505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Several Piper species accumulate piperamides as secondary metabolites, and although they have relevant biological importance, many details of their biosynthetic pathways have not yet been described experimentally. Experiments involving enzymatic reactions and labeled precursor feeding were performed using the species Piper tuberculatum and Piper arboreum. The activities of the phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) enzymes, which are involved in the general phenylpropanoid pathway, were monitored by the conversion of the amino acid L-phenylalanine to cinnamic acid. The activity of the 4-hydroxylase (C4H) enzyme was also observed in P. tuberculatum by converting cinnamic acid to p-coumaric acid. L-[UL-14C]-phenylalanine was fed into the leaves of P. tuberculatum and incorporated into piperine (1), 4,5-dihydropiperine (2), fagaramide (4), trans-piplartine (7), and dihydropiplartine (9). In P. arboreum, it was only incorporated into the piperamide 4,5-dihydropiperiline (3). L-[UL-14C]-lysine was successfully incorporated into the 4,5-dihydropiperine piperidine group (2), dihydropyridinone, and trans- (7) and cis-piplartine (8). These data corroborate the proposal of mixed biosynthetic origin of piperamides with the aromatic moiety originating from cinnamic acid (shikimic acid pathway) and key amide construction with amino acids as precursors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Cotinguiba
- Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" - UNESP, Instituto de Química, Núcleo de Bioensaios, Biossíntese e Ecofisiologia de Produtos Naturais - NuBBE, Araraquara, SP, Brasil.,Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ, Instituto de Pesquisas de Produtos Naturais Walter Mors, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - H M Debonsi
- Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" - UNESP, Instituto de Química, Núcleo de Bioensaios, Biossíntese e Ecofisiologia de Produtos Naturais - NuBBE, Araraquara, SP, Brasil.,Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Ciências Biomoleculares, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
| | - R V Silva
- Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" - UNESP, Instituto de Química, Núcleo de Bioensaios, Biossíntese e Ecofisiologia de Produtos Naturais - NuBBE, Araraquara, SP, Brasil
| | - R M Pioli
- Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" - UNESP, Instituto de Química, Núcleo de Bioensaios, Biossíntese e Ecofisiologia de Produtos Naturais - NuBBE, Araraquara, SP, Brasil.,Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Instituto de Química, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - R A Pinto
- Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" - UNESP, Instituto de Química, Núcleo de Bioensaios, Biossíntese e Ecofisiologia de Produtos Naturais - NuBBE, Araraquara, SP, Brasil
| | - L G Felippe
- Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" - UNESP, Instituto de Química, Núcleo de Bioensaios, Biossíntese e Ecofisiologia de Produtos Naturais - NuBBE, Araraquara, SP, Brasil
| | - S N López
- Universidad Nacional de Rosario - UNR, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Farmacognosia, Rosario, Argentina.,Centro Científico Tecnológico - CONICET, Rosario, Argentina
| | - M J Kato
- Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Instituto de Química, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - M Furlan
- Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" - UNESP, Instituto de Química, Núcleo de Bioensaios, Biossíntese e Ecofisiologia de Produtos Naturais - NuBBE, Araraquara, SP, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jäckel L, Schnabel A, Stellmach H, Klauß U, Matschi S, Hause G, Vogt T. The terminal enzymatic step in piperine biosynthesis is co-localized with the product piperine in specialized cells of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.). THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 111:731-747. [PMID: 35634755 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Piperine (1-piperoyl piperidine) is responsible for the pungent perception of dried black pepper (Piper nigrum) fruits and essentially contributes to the aromatic properties of this spice in combination with a blend of terpenoids. The final step in piperine biosynthesis involves piperine synthase (PS), which catalyzes the reaction of piperoyl CoA and piperidine to the biologically active and pungent amide. Nevertheless, experimental data on the cellular localization of piperine and the complete biosynthetic pathway are missing. Not only co-localization of enzymes and products, but also potential transport of piperamides to the sink organs is a possible alternative. This work, which includes purification of the native enzyme, immunolocalization, laser microdissection, fluorescence microscopy, and electron microscopy combined with liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS), provides experimental evidence that piperine and PS are co-localized in specialized cells of the black pepper fruit perisperm. PS accumulates during early stages of fruit development and its level declines before the fruits are fully mature. The product piperine is co-localized to PS and can be monitored at the cellular level by its strong bluish fluorescence. Rising piperine levels during fruit maturation are consistent with the increasing numbers of fluorescent cells within the perisperm. Signal intensities of individual laser-dissected cells when monitored by LC-ESI-MS/MS indicate molar concentrations of this alkaloid. Significant levels of piperine and additional piperamides were also detected in cells distributed in the cortex of black pepper roots. In summary, the data provide comprehensive experimental evidence of and insights into cell-specific biosynthesis and storage of piperidine alkaloids, specific and characteristic for the Piperaceae. By a combination of fluorescence microscopy and LC-MS/MS analysis we localized the major piperidine alkaloids to specific cells of the fruit perisperm and the root cortex. Immunolocalization of native piperine and piperamide synthases shows that enzymes are co-localized with high concentrations of products in these idioblasts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luise Jäckel
- Department of Cell and Metabolic Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, D-06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Arianne Schnabel
- Department of Cell and Metabolic Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, D-06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Hagen Stellmach
- Department of Cell and Metabolic Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, D-06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ulrike Klauß
- Department of Cell and Metabolic Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, D-06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Susanne Matschi
- Department of Biochemistry of Plant Interactions, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, D-06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Gerd Hause
- Electron Microscopy Lab, Biocenter, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Weinbergweg 22, D-06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Thomas Vogt
- Department of Cell and Metabolic Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, D-06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sunstrum FG, Liu HL, Jancsik S, Madilao LL, Bohlmann J, Irmisch S. 4-Coumaroyl-CoA ligases in the biosynthesis of the anti-diabetic metabolite montbretin A. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257478. [PMID: 34618820 PMCID: PMC8496819 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Montbretins are rare specialized metabolites found in montbretia (Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora) corms. Montbretin A (MbA) is of particular interest as a novel therapeutic for type-2 diabetes and obesity. There is no scalable production system for this complex acylated flavonol glycoside. MbA biosynthesis has been reconstructed in Nicotiana benthamiana using montbretia genes for the assembly of MbA from its various different building blocks. However, in addition to smaller amounts of MbA, the therapeutically inactive montbretin B (MbB) was the major product of this metabolic engineering effort. MbA and MbB differ in a single hydroxyl group of their acyl side chains, which are derived from caffeoyl-CoA and coumaroyl-CoA, respectively. Biosynthesis of both MbA and MbB also require coumaroyl-CoA for the formation of the myricetin core. Caffeoyl-CoA and coumaroyl-CoA are formed in the central phenylpropanoid pathway by acyl activating enzymes (AAEs) known as 4-coumaroyl-CoA ligases (4CLs). Here we investigated a small family of montbretia AAEs and 4CLs, and their possible contribution to montbretin biosynthesis. RESULTS Transcriptome analysis for gene expression patterns related to montbretin biosynthesis identified eight different montbretia AAEs belonging to four different clades. Enzyme characterization identified 4CL activity for two clade IV members, Cc4CL1 and Cc4CL2, converting different hydroxycinnamic acids into the corresponding CoA thioesters. Both enzymes preferred coumaric acid over caffeic acid as a substrate in vitro. While expression of montbretia AAEs did not enhance MbA biosynthesis in N. benthamiana, we demonstrated that both Cc4CLs can be used to activate coumaric and caffeic acid towards flavanone biosynthesis in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). CONCLUSIONS Montbretia expresses two functional 4CLs, but neither of them is specific for the formation of caffeoyl-CoA. Based on differential expression analysis and phylogeny Cc4CL1 is most likely involved in MbA biosynthesis, while Cc4CL2 may contribute to lignin biosynthesis. Both Cc4CLs can be used for flavanone production to support metabolic engineering of MbA in yeast.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frederick G. Sunstrum
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hannah L. Liu
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sharon Jancsik
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lufiani L. Madilao
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Joerg Bohlmann
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sandra Irmisch
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Heo KT, Lee B, Jang JH, Ahn JO, Hong YS. Construction of an Artificial Biosynthetic Pathway for the Styrylpyrone Compound 11-Methoxy-Bisnoryangonin Produced in Engineered Escherichia coli. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:714335. [PMID: 34456894 PMCID: PMC8388576 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.714335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
A cDNA clone (named pnpks), which shows high homology to the known chalcone synthase (CHS)-like type III PKS, was obtained from the leaves of Piper nigrum. The PnPKS protein with ferulic acid catalyzed lactonization instead of chalcone or stilbene formation. The new product was characterized as a styrylpyrone, 11-methoxy-bisnoryangonin, which is the lactonization compound of a linear triketide formed as the reaction product of PnPKS protein with ferulic acid. These results show that pnpks encodes a styrylpyrone synthase (SPS)-like PKS that catalyzes two-chain elongation with feruloyl CoA-linked starter substrates. Although these styrylpyrone compounds are promising for use in human healthcare, they are mainly obtained by extraction from raw plant or mushroom sources. For de novo synthesis of 11-methoxy-bisnoryangonin in the heterologous host Escherichia coli from a simple sugar as a starter, the artificial biosynthetic pathway contained five genes: optal, sam5, com, and 4cl2nt, along with the pnpks gene. The engineered L-tyrosine overproducing E. coli ∆COS1 strain, in which five biosynthetic genes were cloned into two vectors, pET-opT5M and pET22-4P, was cultured for 24 h in a minimal glucose medium containing ampicillin and kanamycin. As a result, 11-methoxy-bisnoryangonin production of up to 52.8 mg/L was achieved, which is approximately 8.5-fold higher than that in the parental E. coli strain harboring a plasmid for 11-methoxy-bisnoryangonin biosynthesis. As a potential styrylpyrone compound, 11-methoxy-bisnoryangonin, was successfully produced in E. coli from a simple glucose medium, and its production titer was also increased using engineered strains. This study provides a useful reference for establishing the biological manufacture of styrylpyrone compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Taek Heo
- Anticancer Agent Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju-si, South Korea.,Department of Bio-Molecular Science, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Byeongsan Lee
- Anticancer Agent Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju-si, South Korea
| | - Jae-Hyuk Jang
- Anticancer Agent Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju-si, South Korea.,Department of Bio-Molecular Science, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jung-Oh Ahn
- Department of Bio-Molecular Science, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, South Korea.,Biotechnology Process Engineering Center, KRIBB, Cheongju-si, South Korea
| | - Young-Soo Hong
- Anticancer Agent Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju-si, South Korea.,Department of Bio-Molecular Science, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sørensen M, Møller BL. Metabolic Engineering of Photosynthetic Cells – in Collaboration with Nature. Metab Eng 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/9783527823468.ch21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
7
|
Liu G, Li H, Fu D. Applications of virus-induced gene silencing for identification of gene function in fruit. FOOD QUALITY AND SAFETY 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/fqsafe/fyab018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
With the development of bioinformatics, it is easy to obtain information and data about thousands of genes, but the determination of the functions of these genes depends on methods for rapid and effective functional identification. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) is a mature method of gene functional identification developed over the last 20 years, which has been widely used in many research fields involving many species. Fruit quality formation is a complex biological process, which is closely related to ripening. Here, we review the progress and contribution of VIGS to our understanding of fruit biology and its advantages and disadvantages in determining gene function.
Collapse
|
8
|
Schnabel A, Athmer B, Manke K, Schumacher F, Cotinguiba F, Vogt T. Identification and characterization of piperine synthase from black pepper, Piper nigrum L. Commun Biol 2021; 4:445. [PMID: 33833371 PMCID: PMC8032705 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01967-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is the world's most popular spice and is also used as an ingredient in traditional medicine. Its pungent perception is due to the interaction of its major compound, piperine (1-piperoyl-piperidine) with the human TRPV-1 or vanilloid receptor. We now identify the hitherto concealed enzymatic formation of piperine from piperoyl coenzyme A and piperidine based on a differential RNA-Seq approach from developing black pepper fruits. This enzyme is described as piperine synthase (piperoyl-CoA:piperidine piperoyl transferase) and is a member of the BAHD-type of acyltransferases encoded by a gene that is preferentially expressed in immature fruits. A second BAHD-type enzyme, also highly expressed in immature black pepper fruits, has a rather promiscuous substrate specificity, combining diverse CoA-esters with aliphatic and aromatic amines with similar efficiencies, and was termed piperamide synthase. Recombinant piperine and piperamide synthases are members of a small gene family in black pepper. They can be used to facilitate the microbial production of a broad range of medicinally relevant aliphatic and aromatic piperamides based on a wide array of CoA-donors and amine-derived acceptors, offering widespread applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arianne Schnabel
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Dept. Cell and Metabolic Biology, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Benedikt Athmer
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Dept. Cell and Metabolic Biology, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Kerstin Manke
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Dept. Cell and Metabolic Biology, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | | | - Fernando Cotinguiba
- Instituto de Pesquisas de Produtos Naturais (IPPN), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brasil
| | - Thomas Vogt
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Dept. Cell and Metabolic Biology, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Schnabel A, Cotinguiba F, Athmer B, Vogt T. Piper nigrum CYP719A37 Catalyzes the Decisive Methylenedioxy Bridge Formation in Piperine Biosynthesis. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:128. [PMID: 33435446 PMCID: PMC7826766 DOI: 10.3390/plants10010128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is among the world's most popular spices. Its pungent principle, piperine, has already been identified 200 years ago, yet the biosynthesis of piperine in black pepper remains largely enigmatic. In this report we analyzed the characteristic methylenedioxy bridge formation of the aromatic part of piperine by a combination of RNA-sequencing, functional expression in yeast, and LC-MS based analysis of substrate and product profiles. We identified a single cytochrome P450 transcript, specifically expressed in black pepper immature fruits. The corresponding gene was functionally expressed in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and characterized for substrate specificity with a series of putative aromatic precursors with an aromatic vanilloid structure. Methylenedioxy bridge formation was only detected when feruperic acid (5-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid) was used as a substrate, and the corresponding product was identified as piperic acid. Two alternative precursors, ferulic acid and feruperine, were not accepted. Our data provide experimental evidence that formation of the piperine methylenedioxy bridge takes place in young black pepper fruits after a currently hypothetical chain elongation of ferulic acid and before the formation of the amide bond. The partially characterized enzyme was classified as CYP719A37 and is discussed in terms of specificity, storage, and phylogenetic origin of CYP719 catalyzed reactions in magnoliids and eudicots.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arianne Schnabel
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Department Cell and Metabolic Biology, Weinberg 3, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (A.S.); (B.A.)
| | - Fernando Cotinguiba
- Instituto de Pesquisas de Produtos Naturais (IPPN), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Avenida Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil;
| | - Benedikt Athmer
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Department Cell and Metabolic Biology, Weinberg 3, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (A.S.); (B.A.)
| | - Thomas Vogt
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Department Cell and Metabolic Biology, Weinberg 3, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (A.S.); (B.A.)
| |
Collapse
|