1
|
Hanko EKR, Valdehuesa KNG, Verhagen KJA, Chromy J, Stoney RA, Chua J, Yan C, Roubos JA, Schmitz J, Breitling R. Carboxylic acid reductase-dependent biosynthesis of eugenol and related allylphenols. Microb Cell Fact 2023; 22:238. [PMID: 37980525 PMCID: PMC10656918 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-023-02246-4] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND (Hydroxy)cinnamyl alcohols and allylphenols, including coniferyl alcohol and eugenol, are naturally occurring aromatic compounds widely utilised in pharmaceuticals, flavours, and fragrances. Traditionally, the heterologous biosynthesis of (hydroxy)cinnamyl alcohols from (hydroxy)cinnamic acids involved CoA-dependent activation of the substrate. However, a recently explored alternative pathway involving carboxylic acid reductase (CAR) has proven efficient in generating the (hydroxy)cinnamyl aldehyde intermediate without the need for CoA activation. In this study, we investigated the application of the CAR pathway for whole-cell bioconversion of a range of (hydroxy)cinnamic acids into their corresponding (hydroxy)cinnamyl alcohols. Furthermore, we sought to extend the pathway to enable the production of a variety of allylphenols and allylbenzene. RESULTS By screening the activity of several heterologously expressed enzymes in crude cell lysates, we identified the combination of Segniliparus rugosus CAR (SrCAR) and Medicago sativa cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (MsCAD2) as the most efficient enzymatic cascade for the two-step reduction of ferulic acid to coniferyl alcohol. To optimise the whole-cell bioconversion in Escherichia coli, we implemented a combinatorial approach to balance the gene expression levels of SrCAR and MsCAD2. This optimisation resulted in a coniferyl alcohol yield of almost 100%. Furthermore, we extended the pathway by incorporating coniferyl alcohol acyltransferase and eugenol synthase, which allowed for the production of eugenol with a titre of up to 1.61 mM (264 mg/L) from 3 mM ferulic acid. This improvement in titre surpasses previous achievements in the field employing a CoA-dependent coniferyl alcohol biosynthesis pathway. Our study not only demonstrated the successful utilisation of the CAR pathway for the biosynthesis of diverse (hydroxy)cinnamyl alcohols, such as p-coumaryl alcohol, caffeyl alcohol, cinnamyl alcohol, and sinapyl alcohol, from their corresponding (hydroxy)cinnamic acid precursors but also extended the pathway to produce allylphenols, including chavicol, hydroxychavicol, and methoxyeugenol. Notably, the microbial production of methoxyeugenol from sinapic acid represents a novel achievement. CONCLUSION The combination of SrCAR and MsCAD2 enzymes offers an efficient enzymatic cascade for the production of a wide array of (hydroxy)cinnamyl alcohols and, ultimately, allylphenols from their respective (hydroxy)cinnamic acids. This expands the range of value-added molecules that can be generated using microbial cell factories and creates new possibilities for applications in industries such as pharmaceuticals, flavours, and fragrances. These findings underscore the versatility of the CAR pathway, emphasising its potential in various biotechnological applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erik K R Hanko
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
| | - Kris Niño G Valdehuesa
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
| | - Koen J A Verhagen
- dsm-firmenich, Science & Research, P.O. Box 1, Delft, 2600 MA, The Netherlands
| | - Jakub Chromy
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
| | - Ruth A Stoney
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
| | - Jeremy Chua
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
| | - Cunyu Yan
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
| | - Johannes A Roubos
- dsm-firmenich, Science & Research, P.O. Box 1, Delft, 2600 MA, The Netherlands
| | - Joep Schmitz
- dsm-firmenich, Science & Research, P.O. Box 1, Delft, 2600 MA, The Netherlands
| | - Rainer Breitling
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sun N, Hu J, Li C, Wang X, Gai Y, Jiang X. Fusion gene 4CL-CCR promotes lignification in tobacco suspension cells. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2023; 42:939-952. [PMID: 36964306 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-023-03002-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE The fusion gene 4CL-CCR promotes lignification and activates lignin-related MYB expression in tobacco but inhibits auxin-related gene expression and hinders the auxin absorption of cells. Given the importance of lignin polymers in plant growth and their industrial value, it is necessary to investigate how plants synthesize monolignols and regulate the level of lignin in cell walls. In our previous study, expression of the Populus tomentosa fusion gene 4CL-CCR significantly promoted the production of 4-hydroxycinnamyl alcohols. However, the function of 4CL-CCR in organisms remains poorly understood. In this study, the fusion gene 4CL-CCR was heterologously expressed in tobacco suspension cells. We found that the transgenic suspension cells exhibited lignification earlier. Furthermore, 4CL-CCR significantly reduced the content of phenolic acids and increased the content of aldehydes in the medium, which led to an increase in lignin deposition. Moreover, transcriptome results showed that the genes related to lignin synthesis, such as PAL, 4CL, CCoAOMT and CAD, were significantly upregulated in the 4CL-CCR group. The expression of genes related to auxin, such as ARF3, ARF5 and ARF6, was significantly downregulated. The downregulation of auxin affected the expression of transcription factor MYBs. We hypothesize that the upregulated genes MYB306 and MYB315 are involved in the regulation of cell morphogenesis and lignin biosynthesis and eventually enhance lignification in tobacco suspension cells. Our findings provide insight into the function of 4CL-CCR in lignification and how secondary cell walls are formed in plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology , Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
- The Tree and Ornamental Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jiaqi Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology , Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
- The Tree and Ornamental Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Can Li
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology , Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
- The Tree and Ornamental Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xuechun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology , Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
- The Tree and Ornamental Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Ying Gai
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology , Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China.
- The Tree and Ornamental Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - Xiangning Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology , Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China.
- The Tree and Ornamental Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing, 100083, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
A targeted metabolomics method for extra- and intracellular metabolite quantification covering the complete monolignol and lignan synthesis pathway. Metab Eng Commun 2022; 15:e00205. [PMID: 36119807 PMCID: PMC9474286 DOI: 10.1016/j.mec.2022.e00205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial synthesis of monolignols and lignans from simple substrates is a promising alternative to plant extraction. Bottlenecks and byproduct formation during heterologous production require targeted metabolomics tools for pathway optimization. In contrast to available fractional methods, we established a comprehensive targeted metabolomics method. It enables the quantification of 17 extra- and intracellular metabolites of the monolignol and lignan pathway, ranging from amino acids to pluviatolide. Several cell disruption methods were compared. Hot water extraction was best suited regarding monolignol and lignan stability as well as extraction efficacy. The method was applied to compare enzymes for alleviating bottlenecks during heterologous monolignol and lignan production in E. coli. Variants of tyrosine ammonia-lyase had a considerable influence on titers of subsequent metabolites. The choice of multicopper oxidase greatly affected the accumulation of lignans. Metabolite titers were monitored during batch fermentation of either monolignol or lignan-producing recombinant E. coli strains, demonstrating the dynamic accumulation of metabolites. The new method enables efficient time-resolved targeted metabolomics of monolignol- and lignan-producing E. coli. It facilitates bottleneck identification and byproduct quantification, making it a valuable tool for further pathway engineering studies. This method will benefit the bioprocess development of biotransformation or fermentation approaches for microbial lignan production. Monolignols and lignans were heterologously produced in Escherichia coli A targeted metabolomics method was developed covering 17 out of 20 metabolites. Hot water extraction is well suited for intracellular monolignol & lignan analysis. Metabolite accumulation identifies bottlenecks and dynamic activity. Assessment of pathway activity enables efficient cell factory engineering.
Collapse
|
4
|
Preparation of cross-linked cell aggregates (CLCAs) of recombinant E. coli harboring glutamate dehydrogenase and glucose dehydrogenase for efficient asymmetric synthesis of L-phosphinothricin. Biochem Eng J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2022.108468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
5
|
Zhou H, Gao S, Zeng W, Zhou J. Improving bioconversion of eugenol to coniferyl alcohol by constitutive promoters in Escherichia coli. Biochem Eng J 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2021.107953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
6
|
Fan XM, Shen JJ, Xu YY, Gao J, Zhang YW. Metabolic integration of azide functionalized glycan on Escherichia coli cell surface for specific covalent immobilization onto magnetic nanoparticles with click chemistry. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 324:124689. [PMID: 33450627 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.124689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A method for specific immobilization of whole-cell with covalent bonds was developed through a click reaction between alkyne and azide groups. In this approach, magnetic nanoparticle Fe3O4@SiO2-NH2-alkyne was synthesized with Fe3O4 core preparation, SiO2 coating, and alkyne functionalization on the surface. The azides were successfully integrated onto the cell surface of the recombinant E. coli harboring glycerol dehydrogenase, which was employed as the model cell. The highest immobilization yield of 83% and activity recovery of 94% were obtained under the conditions of 0.67 mg mg-1 cell-support ratio, pH 6.0, temperature 45 °C, and 20 mM Cu2+ concentration. The immobilized cell showed good reusability, which remained over 50% of initial activity after 10 cycles of utilization. Its activity was 9.7-fold higher than that of the free cell at the condition of pH 8.0 and each optimal temperature. Furthermore, the immobilized cell showed significantly higher activity, operational stability, and reusability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Man Fan
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Jia Shen
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Gao
- College of Petroleum and Chemical Engineering, Beibu Gulf University, 535100 Qinzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye-Wang Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China; College of Petroleum and Chemical Engineering, Beibu Gulf University, 535100 Qinzhou, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Characterization, functional analysis and application of 4-Coumarate: CoA ligase genes from Populus trichocarpa. J Biotechnol 2019; 302:92-100. [PMID: 31233773 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2019.06.300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
4-Coumarate: CoA ligase (4CL) is an important branch point directing metabolites to flavonoid or monolignol pathways in plants. It plays a vital role in the biosynthesis of plant nature products in microbes. Herein, Ptr4CL4, Ptr4CL5 and Ptr4CL7 from Populus trichocarpa were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Two recombinant proteins Ptr4CL4 and Ptr4CL5 showed distinct activities for different substrates. The Ptr4CL4, not previously reported, showed the highest affinity and activity for p-coumaric acid, but a unique substrate self-inhibition was observed at high concentration of p-coumaric acid. Ptr4CL5 was suitable for pathway construction due to no self-substrate inhibition and high initial reaction rate. To explore the potential of Ptr4CL5 in biosynthesis of cinnamyl alcohol, a biosynthesis pathway established with Ptr4CL5, PtrCCR2, endogenous reductases was constructed in E. coli and the titer of cinnamyl alcohol reached 4.8 mM which is higher than other reports. The result indicates that the wood-derived Ptr4CL5 has signification potential in the biosynthesis of cinnamyl alcohol and other monolignol derivatives.
Collapse
|
8
|
Panzella L, DellaGreca M, Longobardo L. A Facile Preparation of Hydroxycinnamyl Alcohols withSimultaneous Protection of Phenol Groups as Carbonate. ChemistrySelect 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.201802099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Panzella
- Department of Chemical Science; University of Napoli Federico II Via Cinthia 4; 80126 Napoli Italy
| | - Marina DellaGreca
- Department of Chemical Science; University of Napoli Federico II Via Cinthia 4; 80126 Napoli Italy
| | - Luigi Longobardo
- Department of Chemical Science; University of Napoli Federico II Via Cinthia 4; 80126 Napoli Italy
| |
Collapse
|