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Wang Y, Yan J, Yang M, Zou J, Zheng Y, Li D. EgMADS3 directly regulates EgLPAAT to mediate medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) anabolism in the mesocarp of oil palm. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2024; 43:107. [PMID: 38558250 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-024-03200-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE EgMADS3, a pivotal transcription factor, positively regulates MCFA accumulation via binding to the EgLPAAT promoter, advancing lipid content in mesocarp of oil palm. Lipids function as the structural components of cell membranes, which serve as permeable barriers to the external environment of cells. The medium-chain fatty acid in the stored lipids of plants is an important renewable energy. Most research on MCFA production in plant lipid synthesis is based on biochemical methods, and the importance of transcriptional regulation in MCFA synthesis and its incorporation into TAGs needs further research. Oil palm is the most productive oil crop in the world and has the highest productivity among the main oil crops. In this study, the MADS transcription factor (EgMADS3) in the mesocarp of oil palm was characterized. Through the VIGS-virus induced gene silencing, it was determined that the potential target gene of EgMADS3 was related to the biosynthesis of medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA). Transient transformation in protoplasts and qRT-PCR analysis showed that EgMADS3 positively regulated the expression of EgLPAAT. The results of the yeast one-hybrid assays and EMSA indicated the interaction between EgMADS3 and EgLPAAT promoter. Through genetic transformation and fatty acid analysis, it is concluded that EgMADS3 directly regulates the mid-chain fatty acid synthesis pathway of the potential target gene EgLPAAT, thus promotes the accumulation of MCFA and improves the total lipid content. This study is innovative in the functional analysis of the MADS family transcription factor in the metabolism of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) of oil palm, provides a certain research basis for improving the metabolic pathway of chain fatty acids in oil palm, and improves the synthesis of MCFA in plants. Our results will provide a reference direction for further research on improving the oil quality through biotechnology of oil palm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaning Wang
- Sanya Nanfan Research Institute, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Hainan, 570228, China
| | - Jinqi Yan
- Sanya Nanfan Research Institute, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Hainan, 570228, China
| | | | - Jixin Zou
- Rubber Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS), Haikou, 571101, China
| | - Yusheng Zheng
- Sanya Nanfan Research Institute, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Hainan, 570228, China
| | - Dongdong Li
- Sanya Nanfan Research Institute, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Hainan, 570228, China.
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2
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Zhou Y, Mirts EN, Yook S, Waugh M, Martini R, Jin Y, Lu Y. Reshaping the 2-Pyrone Synthase Active Site for Chemoselective Biosynthesis of Polyketides. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202212440. [PMID: 36398563 PMCID: PMC10107152 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202212440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Engineering enzymes with novel reactivity and applying them in metabolic pathways to produce valuable products are quite challenging due to the intrinsic complexity of metabolic networks and the need for high in vivo catalytic efficiency. Triacetic acid lactone (TAL), naturally generated by 2-pyrone synthase (2PS), is a platform molecule that can be produced via microbial fermentation and further converted into value-added products. However, these conversions require extra synthetic steps under harsh conditions. We herein report a biocatalytic system for direct generation of TAL derivatives under mild conditions with controlled chemoselectivity by rationally engineering the 2PS active site and then rewiring the biocatalytic pathway in the metabolic network of E. coli to produce high-value products, such as kavalactone precursors, with yields up to 17 mg/L culture. Computer modeling indicates sterics and hydrogen-bond interactions play key roles in tuning the selectivity, efficiency and yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhou
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts InnovationUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign1206 W Gregory DrUrbanaIL 61801USA
- Department of ChemistryThe University of Texas at Austin105 E 24th StAustinTX 78712USA
| | - Evan N. Mirts
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts InnovationUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign1206 W Gregory DrUrbanaIL 61801USA
| | - Sangdo Yook
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts InnovationUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign1206 W Gregory DrUrbanaIL 61801USA
- Department of Food Science and Human NutritionUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign905 S. Goodwin AvenueUrbanaIL 61801USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic BiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign1206 W Gregory DrUrbanaIL 61801USA
| | - Matthew Waugh
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts InnovationUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign1206 W Gregory DrUrbanaIL 61801USA
| | - Rachel Martini
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign600 South Mathews AvenueUrbanaIL 61801USA
| | - Yong‐Su Jin
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts InnovationUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign1206 W Gregory DrUrbanaIL 61801USA
- Department of Food Science and Human NutritionUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign905 S. Goodwin AvenueUrbanaIL 61801USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic BiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign1206 W Gregory DrUrbanaIL 61801USA
| | - Yi Lu
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts InnovationUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign1206 W Gregory DrUrbanaIL 61801USA
- Department of ChemistryThe University of Texas at Austin105 E 24th StAustinTX 78712USA
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3
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Behera J, Rahman MM, Shockey J, Kilaru A. Acyl-CoA-dependent and acyl-CoA-independent avocado acyltransferases positively influence oleic acid content in nonseed triacylglycerols. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 13:1056582. [PMID: 36714784 PMCID: PMC9874167 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1056582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In higher plants, acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) and phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (PDAT) catalyze the terminal step of triacylglycerol (TAG) synthesis in acyl-CoA-dependent and -independent pathways, respectively. Avocado (Persea americana) mesocarp, a nonseed tissue, accumulates significant amounts of TAG (~70% by dry weight) that is rich in heart-healthy oleic acid (18:1). The oil accumulation stages of avocado mesocarp development coincide with high expression levels for type-1 DGAT (DGAT1) and PDAT1, although type-2 DGAT (DGAT2) expression remains low. The strong preference for oleic acid demonstrated by the avocado mesocarp TAG biosynthetic machinery represents lucrative biotechnological opportunities, yet functional characterization of these three acyltransferases has not been explored to date. We expressed avocado PaDGAT1, PaDGAT2, and PaPDAT1 in bakers' yeast and leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana. PaDGAT1 complemented the TAG biosynthesis deficiency in the quadruple mutant yeast strain H1246, and substantially elevated total cellular lipid content. In vitro enzyme assays showed that PaDGAT1 prefers oleic acid compared to palmitic acid (16:0). Both PaDGAT1 and PaPDAT1 increased the lipid content and elevated oleic acid levels when expressed independently or together, transiently in N. benthamiana leaves. These results indicate that PaDGAT1 and PaPDAT1 prefer oleate-containing substrates, and their coordinated expression likely contributes to sustained TAG synthesis that is enriched in oleic acid. This study establishes a knowledge base for future metabolic engineering studies focused on exploitation of the biochemical properties of PaDGAT1 and PaPDAT1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti Behera
- Department of Biological Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States
| | - Md Mahbubur Rahman
- Department of Biological Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States
- dNTP Laboratory, Teaneck, NJ, United States
| | - Jay Shockey
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Southern Regional Research Center, Commodity Utilization Research Unit, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Aruna Kilaru
- Department of Biological Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States
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Khan FS, Goher F, Zhang D, Shi P, Li Z, Htwe YM, Wang Y. Is CRISPR/Cas9 a way forward to fast-track genetic improvement in commercial palms? Prospects and limits. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:1042828. [PMID: 36578341 PMCID: PMC9791139 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1042828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Commercially important palms (oil palm, coconut, and date palm) are widely grown perennial trees with tremendous commercial significance due to food, edible oil, and industrial applications. The mounting pressure on the human population further reinforces palms' importance, as they are essential crops to meet vegetable oil needs around the globe. Various conventional breeding methods are used for the genetic improvement of palms. However, adopting new technologies is crucial to accelerate breeding and satisfy the expanding population's demands. CRISPR/Cas9 is an efficient genome editing tool that can incorporate desired traits into the existing DNA of the plant without losing common traits. Recent progress in genome editing in oil palm, coconut and date palm are preliminarily introduced to potential readers. Furthermore, detailed information on available CRISPR-based genome editing and genetic transformation methods are summarized for researchers. We shed light on the possibilities of genome editing in palm crops, especially on the modification of fatty acid biosynthesis in oil palm. Moreover, the limitations in genome editing, including inadequate target gene screening due to genome complexities and low efficiency of genetic transformation, are also highlighted. The prospects of CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing in commercial palms to improve sustainable production are also addressed in this review paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiza Shafique Khan
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Biosafety Monitoring and Molecular Breeding in Off-Season Reproduction Regions/Sanya Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, Hainan, China
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya, Hainan, China
- Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Oil Crops Biology, Coconut Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Wenchang, Hainan, China
| | - Farhan Goher
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dapeng Zhang
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Biosafety Monitoring and Molecular Breeding in Off-Season Reproduction Regions/Sanya Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, Hainan, China
- Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Oil Crops Biology, Coconut Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Wenchang, Hainan, China
| | - Peng Shi
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Biosafety Monitoring and Molecular Breeding in Off-Season Reproduction Regions/Sanya Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, Hainan, China
- Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Oil Crops Biology, Coconut Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Wenchang, Hainan, China
| | - Zhiying Li
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Biosafety Monitoring and Molecular Breeding in Off-Season Reproduction Regions/Sanya Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, Hainan, China
- Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Oil Crops Biology, Coconut Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Wenchang, Hainan, China
| | - Yin Min Htwe
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Biosafety Monitoring and Molecular Breeding in Off-Season Reproduction Regions/Sanya Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, Hainan, China
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya, Hainan, China
- Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Oil Crops Biology, Coconut Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Wenchang, Hainan, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Biosafety Monitoring and Molecular Breeding in Off-Season Reproduction Regions/Sanya Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, Hainan, China
- Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Oil Crops Biology, Coconut Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Wenchang, Hainan, China
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5
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Arumugam T, Hatta MAM. Improving Coconut Using Modern Breeding Technologies: Challenges and Opportunities. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:3414. [PMID: 36559524 PMCID: PMC9784122 DOI: 10.3390/plants11243414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is a perennial palm with a wide range of distribution across tropical islands and coastlines. Multitude use of coconut by nature is important in the socio-economic fabric framework among rural smallholders in producing countries. It is a major source of income for 30 million farmers, while 60 million households rely on the coconut industry directly as farm workers and indirectly through the distribution, marketing, and processing of coconut and coconut-based products. Stagnant production, inadequate planting materials, the effects of climate change, as well as pests and diseases are among the key issues that need to be urgently addressed in the global coconut industry. Biotechnology has revolutionized conventional breeding approaches in creating genetic variation for trait improvement in a shorter period of time. In this review, we highlighted the challenges of current breeding strategies and the potential of biotechnological approaches, such as genomic-assisted breeding, next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based genotyping and genome editing tools in improving the coconut. Also, combining these technologies with high-throughput phenotyping approaches and speed breeding could speed up the rate of genetic gain in coconut breeding to solve problems that have been plaguing the industry for decades.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Muhammad Asyraf Md Hatta
- Department of Agriculture Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
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6
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Xia H, Hong Y, Li X, Fan R, Li Q, Ouyang Z, Yao X, Lu S, Guo L, Tang S. BnaNTT2 regulates ATP homeostasis in plastid to sustain lipid metabolism and plant growth in Brassica napus. MOLECULAR BREEDING : NEW STRATEGIES IN PLANT IMPROVEMENT 2022; 42:54. [PMID: 37313423 PMCID: PMC10248631 DOI: 10.1007/s11032-022-01322-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The plastid inner envelope membrane-bond nucleotide triphosphate transporter (NTT) transports cytosolic adenosine triphosphate (ATP) into plastid, which is necessary for the biochemical activities in plastid. We identified a chloroplast-localized BnaC08.NTT2 and obtained the overexpressed lines of BnaC08.NTT2 and CRISPR/Cas9 edited double mutant lines of BnaC08.NTT2 and BnaA08.NTT2 in B. napus. Further studies certified that overexpression (OE) of BnaC08.NTT2 could help transport ATP into chloroplast and exchange adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and this process was inhibited in BnaNTT2 mutants. Additional results showed that the thylakoid was abnormal in a8 c8 double mutants, which also had lower photosynthetic efficiency, leading to retarded plant growth. The BnaC08.NTT2 OE plants had higher photosynthetic efficiency and better growth compared to WT. OE of BnaC08.NTT2 could improve carbon flowing into protein and oil synthesis from glycolysis both in leaves and seeds. Lipid profile analysis showed that the contents of main chloroplast membrane lipids, including monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG), digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG), and phosphatidylglycerol (PG), were significantly reduced in mutants, while there were no differences in OE lines compared to WT. These results suggest that BnaNTT2 is involved in the regulation of ATP/ADP homeostasis in plastid to impact plant growth and seed oil accumulation in B. napus. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11032-022-01322-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xia
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Yue Hong
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Xiao Li
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
- Shanghai Center for Plant Stress Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Ruyi Fan
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Qing Li
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Zhewen Ouyang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Xuan Yao
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Shaoping Lu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Liang Guo
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Shan Tang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070 China
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7
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Chen G, Harwood JL, Lemieux MJ, Stone SJ, Weselake RJ. Acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase: Properties, physiological roles, metabolic engineering and intentional control. Prog Lipid Res 2022; 88:101181. [PMID: 35820474 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2022.101181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT, EC 2.3.1.20) catalyzes the last reaction in the acyl-CoA-dependent biosynthesis of triacylglycerol (TAG). DGAT activity resides mainly in membrane-bound DGAT1 and DGAT2 in eukaryotes and bifunctional wax ester synthase-diacylglycerol acyltransferase (WSD) in bacteria, which are all membrane-bound proteins but exhibit no sequence homology to each other. Recent studies also identified other DGAT enzymes such as the soluble DGAT3 and diacylglycerol acetyltransferase (EaDAcT), as well as enzymes with DGAT activities including defective in cuticular ridges (DCR) and steryl and phytyl ester synthases (PESs). This review comprehensively discusses research advances on DGATs in prokaryotes and eukaryotes with a focus on their biochemical properties, physiological roles, and biotechnological and therapeutic applications. The review begins with a discussion of DGAT assay methods, followed by a systematic discussion of TAG biosynthesis and the properties and physiological role of DGATs. Thereafter, the review discusses the three-dimensional structure and insights into mechanism of action of human DGAT1, and the modeled DGAT1 from Brassica napus. The review then examines metabolic engineering strategies involving manipulation of DGAT, followed by a discussion of its therapeutic applications. DGAT in relation to improvement of livestock traits is also discussed along with DGATs in various other eukaryotic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanqun Chen
- Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 2P5, Canada.
| | - John L Harwood
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - M Joanne Lemieux
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Membrane Protein Disease Research Group, Edmonton T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Scot J Stone
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada.
| | - Randall J Weselake
- Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 2P5, Canada
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8
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Drapal M, Enfissi EMA, Fraser PD. The chemotype core collection of genus Nicotiana. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 110:1516-1528. [PMID: 35322494 PMCID: PMC9321557 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Sustainable production of chemicals and improving these biosources by engineering metabolic pathways to create efficient plant-based biofactories relies on the knowledge of available chemical/biosynthetic diversity present in the plant. Nicotiana species are well known for their amenability towards transformation and other new plant breeding techniques. The genus Nicotiana is primarily known through Nicotiana tabacum L., the source of tobacco leaves and all respective tobacco products. Due to the prevalence of the latter, N. tabacum and related Nicotiana species are one of the most extensively studied plants. The majority of studies focused solely on N. tabacum or other individual species for chemotyping. The present study analysed a diversity panel including 17 Nicotiana species and six accessions of Nicotiana benthamiana and created a data set that effectively represents the chemotype core collection of the genus Nicotiana. The utilisation of several analytical platforms and previously published libraries/databases enabled the identification and measurement of over 360 metabolites of a wide range of chemical classes as well as thousands of unknowns with dedicated spectral and chromatographic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margit Drapal
- Department of Biological SciencesRoyal Holloway University of LondonEghamUK
| | | | - Paul D. Fraser
- Department of Biological SciencesRoyal Holloway University of LondonEghamUK
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9
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Accumulation of medium chain fatty acids in Nannochloropsis oceanica by heterologous expression of Cuphea palustris thioesterase FatB1. ALGAL RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2022.102665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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10
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Voronkov A, Ivanova T. Significance of Lipid Fatty Acid Composition for Resistance to Winter Conditions in Asplenium scolopendrium. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:507. [PMID: 35453707 PMCID: PMC9024544 DOI: 10.3390/biology11040507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Ferns are one of the oldest land plants. Among them, there are species that, during the course of evolution, have adapted to living in temperate climates and under winter conditions. Asplenium scolopendrium is one such species whose fronds are able to tolerate low subzero temperatures in winter. It is known that the resistance of ferns to freezing is associated with their prevention of desiccation via unique properties of the xylem and effective photoprotective mechanisms. In this work, the composition of A. scolopendrium lipid fatty acids (FAs) at different times of the year was studied by gas-liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry to determine their role in the resistance of this species to low temperatures. During the growing season, the polyunsaturated FA content increased significantly. This led to increases in the unsaturation and double-bond indices by winter. In addition, after emergence from snow, medium-chain FAs were found in the fronds. Thus, it can be speculated that the FA composition plays an important role in the adaptation of A. scolopendrium to growing conditions and preparation for successful wintering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Voronkov
- K. A. Timiryazev Institute of Plant Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, IPP RAS, 35 Botanicheskaya St., 127276 Moscow, Russia;
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11
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Non-targeted Lipidomics Using a Robust and Reproducible Lipid Separation Using UPLC with Charged Surface Hybrid Technology and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry. Methods Mol Biol 2021. [PMID: 34786683 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1822-6_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Lipids play an important role in the energy storage, cellular signaling, and pathophysiology of diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, infections, and diabetes. Due to high importance of diverse lipid classes in human health and disease, manipulating lipid abundance and composition is an important target for metabolic engineering. The extreme structural diversity of lipids in real biological samples is challenging for analytical techniques due to large difference in physicochemical properties of individual lipid species. This chapter describes lipidomic analysis of large sample sets requiring reliable and robust methodology. Rapid and robust methods facilitate the support of longitudinal studies allowing the transfer of methodology between laboratories. We describe a high-throughput reversed-phase LC-MS methodology using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC®) with charged surface hybrid technology and accurate mass detection for high-throughput non-targeted lipidomics. The methodology showed excellent specificity, robustness, and reproducibility for over 100 LC-MS injections.
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12
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Yee S, Rolland V, Reynolds KB, Shrestha P, Ma L, Singh SP, Vanhercke T, Petrie JR, El Tahchy A. Sesamum indicum Oleosin L improves oil packaging in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. PLANT DIRECT 2021; 5:e343. [PMID: 34514289 PMCID: PMC8421512 DOI: 10.1002/pld3.343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Plant oil production has been increasing continuously in the past decade. There has been significant investment in the production of high biomass plants with elevated oil content. We recently showed that the expression of Arabidopsis thaliana WRI1 and DGAT1 genes increase oil content by up to 15% in leaf dry weight tissue. However, triacylglycerols in leaf tissue are subject to degradation during senescence. In order to better package the oil, we expressed a series of lipid droplet proteins isolated from bacterial and plant sources in Nicotiana benthamiana leaf tissue. We observed further increases in leaf oil content of up to 2.3-fold when we co-expressed Sesamum indicum Oleosin L with AtWRI1 and AtDGAT1. Biochemical assays and lipid droplet visualization with confocal microscopy confirmed the increase in oil content and revealed a significant change in the size and abundance of lipid droplets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suyan Yee
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Agriculture and FoodActonACTAustralia
- Research School of BiologyThe Australian National UniversityCanberraACTAustralia
| | - Vivien Rolland
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Agriculture and FoodActonACTAustralia
| | - Kyle B. Reynolds
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Agriculture and FoodActonACTAustralia
| | - Pushkar Shrestha
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Agriculture and FoodActonACTAustralia
| | - Lina Ma
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Agriculture and FoodActonACTAustralia
| | - Surinder P. Singh
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Agriculture and FoodActonACTAustralia
| | - Thomas Vanhercke
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Agriculture and FoodActonACTAustralia
| | - James R. Petrie
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Agriculture and FoodActonACTAustralia
| | - Anna El Tahchy
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Agriculture and FoodActonACTAustralia
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Kalinger RS, Williams D, Ahmadi Pirshahid A, Pulsifer IP, Rowland O. Production of C6-C14 Medium-Chain Fatty Acids in Seeds and Leaves via Overexpression of Single Hotdog-Fold Acyl-Lipid Thioesterases. Lipids 2021; 56:327-344. [PMID: 33547664 DOI: 10.1002/lipd.12299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
ACYL-LIPID THIOESTERASES (ALT) are a type of plant acyl-acyl carrier protein thioesterase that generate a wide range of medium-chain fatty acids and methylketone (MK) precursors when expressed heterologously in Escherichia coli. While this makes ALT-type thioesterases attractive as metabolic engineering targets to increase production of high-value medium-chain fatty acids and MKs in plant systems, the behavior of ALT enzymes in planta was not well understood before this study. To profile the substrate specificities of ALT-type thioesterases in different plant tissue types, AtALT1-4 from Arabidopsis thaliana, which have widely varied chain length and oxidation state preferences in E. coli, were overexpressed in Arabidopsis seeds, Camelina sativa seeds, and Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Seed-specific overexpression of ALT enzymes led to medium-chain fatty acid accumulation in Arabidopsis and Camelina seed triacylglycerols, and transient overexpression in N. benthamiana demonstrated that the substrate preferences of ALT-type thioesterases in planta generally agree with those previously determined in E. coli. AtALT1 and AtALT4 overexpression in leaves and seeds resulted in the accumulation of 12-14 carbon-length fatty acids and 6-8 carbon-length fatty acids, respectively. While it was difficult to completely profile the products of ALT-type thioesterases that generate MK precursors (i.e. β-keto fatty acids), our results nonetheless demonstrate that ALT enzymes are catalytically diverse in planta. The knowledge gained from this study is a significant step towards being able to use ALT-type thioesterases as metabolic engineering tools to modify the fatty acid profiles of oilseed crops, other plants, and microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca S Kalinger
- Department of Biology and Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Danielle Williams
- Department of Biology and Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Ali Ahmadi Pirshahid
- Department of Biology and Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Ian P Pulsifer
- Department of Biology and Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Owen Rowland
- Department of Biology and Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada
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14
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Ge Y, Zang X, Yang Y, Wang T, Ma W. In-depth analysis of potential PaAP2/ERF transcription factor related to fatty acid accumulation in avocado (Persea americana Mill.) and functional characterization of two PaAP2/ERF genes in transgenic tomato. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2021; 158:308-320. [PMID: 33234384 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2020.11.016] [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] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Fatty acids in avocado fruit are crucial components influencing taste as well as fruit quality and nutritional value. Changes to fatty acid contents and concentrations in avocado fruit are important because of the associated effects on sensory properties. Hence, plant physiologists and molecular biologists interested in elucidating the influence of transcription factors on fatty acid accumulation in avocado fruit. In this study, APETALA2/ethylene-responsive factor (AP2/ERF) family members in avocado (Persea americana Mill.) were systematically and comprehensively analyze to identify potential PaAP2/ERF genes related to fatty acid accumulation. The results of bioinformatics analysis and the expression profiles of the AP2/ERF members suggested that 10 highly expressed PaAP2/ERF genes may encode transcription factors with functions related to the fatty acid accumulation in the avocado mesocarp. Furthermore, PaWRI1 and PaWRI2, two AP2/ERF transcription factor genes in avocado, were functionally characterized regarding their effects on fatty acid accumulation. The transcriptome and biochemical analyses of PaWRI1-2-overexpressing transgenic tomato plants revealed the up-regulated expression of 17 unigenes related to fatty acid synthesis and triacylglycerol assembly as well as increased fatty acid contents relative to the corresponding levels in the wild-type plants. In contrast, the overexpression of PaWRI2 in transgenic tomato plants up-regulated the expression of only six unigenes associated with fatty acid synthesis and triacylglycerol assembly and negligibly affected fatty acid accumulation when compared with wild-type plants. This systematic analysis provides a foundation for future studies regarding AP2/ERF functions associated with fatty acid accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ge
- Haikou Experimental Station, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, Hainan, 570102, China.
| | - Xiaoping Zang
- Haikou Experimental Station, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, Hainan, 570102, China
| | - Ying Yang
- Haikou Experimental Station, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, Hainan, 570102, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Institute of Vegetable, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110161, China
| | - Weihong Ma
- Haikou Experimental Station, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, Hainan, 570102, China.
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15
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Izadi-Darbandi A, Younessi-Hamzekhanlu M, Sticklen M. Metabolically engineered rice biomass and grain using genes associated with lipid pathway show high level of oil content. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:7917-7927. [PMID: 32975743 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05837-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Increasing lipid content using metabolic engineering methods in different parts of plant, including, leaves and stem can be considered as an innovative platform for achieving more energy and biofuel in more green habits. Two key enzymes, including, diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) and phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (PDAT) catalyze the final step of TAG assembly. WRINKLED1 (WRI1) is one of the important transcription factors which regulate the fatty acid biosynthesis network and TAG accumulation by balancing carbon flux between carbohydrates and lipids. In addition, oleosin encoding gene (OLE) can protect TAGs from degradation by packing into oil bodies. In the current study, four important genes involved in TAG assembly and protection (i.e., AtDGAT1 and AtPDAT, AtWRI1, and AtOle) were overexpressed under a constitutive promoter in rice crop. TAG content of transgenic seeds increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) by 26% in compared with those of control plants. Oleic and palmitic acid contents were significantly increased by 28% (from 32 to 41) and 27% (11 to 14) in seeds of transgenic plants in compared with controls, respectively. Our results showed an increase in the total grain and leaf oil contents by 70% (from 1.1 to 1.87%) and 22.5% (from 1.88 to 2.3%) in the metabolically engineered lines, respectively. This is the first report of transformation in rice for enhancing oil content and energy density in its seeds and vegetative parts. Such metabolically engineered crops would be cultivated for production much more oils in seeds and straw for food and biodiesel consequently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Izadi-Darbandi
- Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding Sciences, College of Aburaihan, University of Tehran, P.O. Box: 3391653755, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, 1066 Bogue St, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
| | - Mehdi Younessi-Hamzekhanlu
- Department of Forestry and Medicinal Plants, Ahar Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tabriz, P.O. Box: 5166616471, 29 Bahman Blvd, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mariam Sticklen
- Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, 1066 Bogue St, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
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16
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Yin Y, Guo Z, Chen K, Tian T, Tan J, Chen X, Chen J, Yang B, Tang S, Peng K, Liu S, Liang Y, Zhang K, Yu L, Li M. Ultra-high α-linolenic acid accumulating developmental defective embryo was rescued by lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase 2. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 103:2151-2167. [PMID: 32573846 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.14889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
For decades, genetic engineering approaches to produce unusual fatty acids (UFAs) in crops has reached a bottleneck, including reduced seed oil production and seed vigor. Currently, plant models in the field of research are primarily used to investigate defects in oil production and seedling development, while the role of UFAs in embryonic developmental defects remains unknown. In this study, we developed a transgenic Arabidopsis plant model, in which the embryo exhibits severely wrinkled appearance owing to α-linolenic acid (ALA) accumulation. RNA-sequencing analysis in the defective embryo suggested that brassinosteroid synthesis, FA synthesis and photosynthesis were inhibited, while FA degradation, endoplasmic reticulum stress and oxidative stress were activated. Lipidomics analysis showed that ultra-accumulated ALA is released from phosphatidylcholine as a free FA in cells, inducing severe endoplasmic reticulum and oxidative stress. Furthermore, we identified that overexpression of lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase 2 rescued the defective phenotype. In the rescue line, the pool capacity of the Kennedy pathway was increased, and the esterification of ALA indirectly to triacylglycerol was enhanced to avoid stress. This study provides a plant model that aids in understanding the molecular mechanism of embryonic developmental defects and generates strategies to produce higher levels of UFAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongtai Yin
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Economic Forest Germplasm Improvement and Resource Comprehensive Utilization, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for the Characteristic Resources Exploitation of Dabie Mountains, Huanggang Normal University, Huanggang, 438000, China
| | - Zhenyi Guo
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Kang Chen
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Tian Tian
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Jiajun Tan
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Xinfeng Chen
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Bing Yang
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Shuyan Tang
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Kangfu Peng
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Si Liu
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Yu Liang
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Longjiang Yu
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Maoteng Li
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Economic Forest Germplasm Improvement and Resource Comprehensive Utilization, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for the Characteristic Resources Exploitation of Dabie Mountains, Huanggang Normal University, Huanggang, 438000, China
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17
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Correa SM, Alseekh S, Atehortúa L, Brotman Y, Ríos-Estepa R, Fernie AR, Nikoloski Z. Model-assisted identification of metabolic engineering strategies for Jatropha curcas lipid pathways. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 104:76-95. [PMID: 33001507 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.14906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Efficient approaches to increase plant lipid production are necessary to meet current industrial demands for this important resource. While Jatropha curcas cell culture can be used for in vitro lipid production, scaling up the system for industrial applications requires an understanding of how growth conditions affect lipid metabolism and yield. Here we present a bottom-up metabolic reconstruction of J. curcas supported with labeling experiments and biomass characterization under three growth conditions. We show that the metabolic model can accurately predict growth and distribution of fluxes in cell cultures and use these findings to pinpoint energy expenditures that affect lipid biosynthesis and metabolism. In addition, by using constraint-based modeling approaches we identify network reactions whose joint manipulation optimizes lipid production. The proposed model and computational analyses provide a stepping stone for future rational optimization of other agronomically relevant traits in J. curcas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra M Correa
- Genetics of Metabolic Traits Group, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam, 14476, Germany
- Grupo de Biotecnología, Departamento de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, 050010, Colombia
| | - Saleh Alseekh
- Central Metabolism Group, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam, 14476, Germany
- Centre for Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, Plovdiv, 4000, Bulgaria
| | - Lucía Atehortúa
- Grupo de Biotecnología, Departamento de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, 050010, Colombia
| | - Yariv Brotman
- Genetics of Metabolic Traits Group, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam, 14476, Germany
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 8410501, Israel
| | - Rigoberto Ríos-Estepa
- Grupo de Bioprocesos, Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, 050010, Colombia
| | - Alisdair R Fernie
- Central Metabolism Group, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam, 14476, Germany
- Centre for Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, Plovdiv, 4000, Bulgaria
| | - Zoran Nikoloski
- Centre for Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, Plovdiv, 4000, Bulgaria
- Bioinformatics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, 14476, Germany
- Systems Biology and Mathematical Modelling Group, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam-Golm, 14476, Germany
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18
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Correa SM, Fernie AR, Nikoloski Z, Brotman Y. Towards model-driven characterization and manipulation of plant lipid metabolism. Prog Lipid Res 2020; 80:101051. [PMID: 32640289 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2020.101051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Plant lipids have versatile applications and provide essential fatty acids in human diet. Therefore, there has been a growing interest to better characterize the genetic basis, regulatory networks, and metabolic pathways that shape lipid quantity and composition. Addressing these issues is challenging due to context-specificity of lipid metabolism integrating environmental, developmental, and tissue-specific cues. Here we systematically review the known metabolic pathways and regulatory interactions that modulate the levels of storage lipids in oilseeds. We argue that the current understanding of lipid metabolism provides the basis for its study in the context of genome-wide plant metabolic networks with the help of approaches from constraint-based modeling and metabolic flux analysis. The focus is on providing a comprehensive summary of the state-of-the-art of modeling plant lipid metabolic pathways, which we then contrast with the existing modeling efforts in yeast and microalgae. We then point out the gaps in knowledge of lipid metabolism, and enumerate the recent advances of using genome-wide association and quantitative trait loci mapping studies to unravel the genetic regulations of lipid metabolism. Finally, we offer a perspective on how advances in the constraint-based modeling framework can propel further characterization of plant lipid metabolism and its rational manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra M Correa
- Genetics of Metabolic Traits Group, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam 14476, Germany; Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 8410501 Beer-Sheva, Israel; Departamento de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia.
| | - Alisdair R Fernie
- Central Metabolism Group, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam 14476, Germany; Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Zoran Nikoloski
- Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Bioinformatics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, 14476 Potsdam, Germany; Systems Biology and Mathematical Modelling Group, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam-Golm 14476, Germany.
| | - Yariv Brotman
- Genetics of Metabolic Traits Group, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam 14476, Germany; Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 8410501 Beer-Sheva, Israel
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19
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Parajuli S, Kannan B, Karan R, Sanahuja G, Liu H, Garcia‐Ruiz E, Kumar D, Singh V, Zhao H, Long S, Shanklin J, Altpeter F. Towards oilcane: Engineering hyperaccumulation of triacylglycerol into sugarcane stems. GCB BIOENERGY 2020; 12:476-490. [DOI: 10.1111/gcbb.12684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 08/30/2024]
Abstract
AbstractMetabolic engineering to divert carbon flux from sucrose to oil in high biomass crop like sugarcane is an emerging strategy to boost lipid yields per hectare for biodiesel production. Sugarcane stems comprise more than 70% of the crops' biomass and can accumulate sucrose in excess of 20% of their extracted juice. The energy content of oils in the form of triacylglycerol (TAG) is more than twofold that of carbohydrates. Here, we report a step change in TAG accumulation in sugarcane stem tissues achieving an average of 4.3% of their dry weight (DW) in replicated greenhouse experiments by multigene engineering. The metabolic engineering included constitutive co‐expression of wrinkled1; diacylglycerol acyltransferase1‐2; cysteine‐oleosin; and ribonucleic acid interference‐suppression of sugar‐dependent1. The TAG content in leaf tissue was also elevated by more than 400‐fold compared to non‐engineered sugarcane to an average of 8.0% of the DW and the amount of total fatty acids reached about 13% of the DW. With increasing TAG accumulation an increase of 18:1 unsaturated fatty acids was observed at the expense of 16:0 and 18:0 saturated fatty acids. Total biomass accumulation, soluble lignin, Brix and juice content were significantly reduced in the TAG hyperaccumulating sugarcane lines. Overcoming this yield drag by engineering lipid accumulation into late stem development will be critical to exceed lipid yields of current oilseed crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saroj Parajuli
- Agronomy Department Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program Genetics Institute University of Florida, IFAS Gainesville FL USA
| | - Baskaran Kannan
- Agronomy Department Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program Genetics Institute University of Florida, IFAS Gainesville FL USA
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation Gainesville FL USA
| | - Ratna Karan
- Agronomy Department Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program Genetics Institute University of Florida, IFAS Gainesville FL USA
| | - Georgina Sanahuja
- Agronomy Department Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program Genetics Institute University of Florida, IFAS Gainesville FL USA
| | - Hui Liu
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation Upton NY USA
- Biosciences Department Brookhaven National Laboratory Upton NY USA
| | - Eva Garcia‐Ruiz
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign Urbana IL USA
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign Urbana IL USA
| | - Vijay Singh
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign Urbana IL USA
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation Urbana IL USA
| | - Huimin Zhao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign Urbana IL USA
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation Urbana IL USA
| | - Stephen Long
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation Urbana IL USA
- Departments of Plant Biology and Crop Sciences Institute for Genomic Biology University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign Urbana IL USA
| | - John Shanklin
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation Upton NY USA
- Biosciences Department Brookhaven National Laboratory Upton NY USA
| | - Fredy Altpeter
- Agronomy Department Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program Genetics Institute University of Florida, IFAS Gainesville FL USA
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation Gainesville FL USA
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20
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Okada S, Taylor M, Zhou XR, Naim F, Marshall D, Blanksby SJ, Singh SP, Wood CC. Producing Cyclopropane Fatty Acid in Plant Leafy Biomass via Expression of Bacterial and Plant Cyclopropane Fatty Acid Synthases. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:30. [PMID: 32117373 PMCID: PMC7020751 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Saturated mid-chain branched fatty acids (SMCBFAs) are widely used in the petrochemical industry for their high oxidative stability and low melting temperature. Dihydrosterculic acid (DHSA) is a cyclopropane fatty acid (CPA) that can be converted to SMCBFA via hydrogenation, and therefore oils rich in DHSA are a potential feedstock for SMCBFA. Recent attempts to produce DHSA in seed oil by recombinant expression of cyclopropane fatty acid synthases (CPFASes) resulted in decreased oil content and poor germination or low DHSA accumulation. Here we explored the potential for plant vegetative tissue to produce DHSA by transiently expressing CPFAS enzymes in leaf. When CPFASes from plant and bacterial origin were transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana leaf, it accumulated up to 1 and 3.7% DHSA in total fatty acid methyl ester (FAME), respectively, which increased up to 4.8 and 11.8%, respectively, when the N. benthamiana endogenous oleoyl desaturase was silenced using RNA interference (RNAi). Bacterial CPFAS expression produced a novel fatty acid with a cyclopropane ring and two carbon-carbon double bonds, which was not seen with plant CPFAS expression. We also observed a small but significant additive effect on DHSA accumulation when both plant and bacterial CPFASes were co-expressed, possibly due to activity upon different oleoyl substrates within the plant cell. Lipidomics analyses found that CPFAS expression increased triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulation relative to controls and that DHSA was distributed across a range of lipid species, including diacylglycerol and galactolipids. DHSA and the novel CPA were present in phosphatidylethanolamine when bacterial CPFAS was expressed in leaf. Finally, when plant diacylglycerol acyltransferase was coexpressed with the CPFASes DHSA accumulated up to 15% in TAG. This study shows that leaves can readily produce and accumulate DHSA in leaf oil. Our findings are discussed in line with current knowledge in leaf oil production for a possible route to DHSA production in vegetative tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoko Okada
- CSIRO Land and Water, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | | | - Xue-Rong Zhou
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Fatima Naim
- Center for Crop Disease Management, Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - David Marshall
- Central Analytical Research Facility, Institute for Future Environments, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Stephen J. Blanksby
- Central Analytical Research Facility, Institute for Future Environments, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Craig C. Wood
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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21
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Pouvreau B, Blundell C, Vohra H, Zwart AB, Arndell T, Singh S, Vanhercke T. A Versatile High Throughput Screening Platform for Plant Metabolic Engineering Highlights the Major Role of ABI3 in Lipid Metabolism Regulation. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:288. [PMID: 32256511 PMCID: PMC7090168 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Traditional functional genetic studies in crops are time consuming, complicated and cannot be readily scaled up. The reason is that mutant or transformed crops need to be generated to study the effect of gene modifications on specific traits of interest. However, many crop species have a complex genome and a long generation time. As a result, it usually takes several months to over a year to obtain desired mutants or transgenic plants, which represents a significant bottleneck in the development of new crop varieties. To overcome this major issue, we are currently establishing a versatile plant genetic screening platform, amenable to high throughput screening in almost any crop species, with a unique workflow. This platform combines protoplast transformation and fluorescence activated cell sorting. Here we show that tobacco protoplasts can accumulate high levels of lipid if transiently transformed with genes involved in lipid biosynthesis and can be sorted based on lipid content. Hence, protoplasts can be used as a predictive tool for plant lipid engineering. Using this newly established strategy, we demonstrate the major role of ABI3 in plant lipid accumulation. We anticipate that this workflow can be applied to numerous highly valuable metabolic traits other than storage lipid accumulation. This new strategy represents a significant step toward screening complex genetic libraries, in a single experiment and in a matter of days, as opposed to years by conventional means.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Pouvreau
- Agriculture and Food, CSIRO, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Synthetic Biology Future Science Platform, CSIRO, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- *Correspondence: Benjamin Pouvreau,
| | - Cheryl Blundell
- Agriculture and Food, CSIRO, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Synthetic Biology Future Science Platform, CSIRO, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Harpreet Vohra
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University College of Health and Medicine, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | | | - Taj Arndell
- Agriculture and Food, CSIRO, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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22
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Zhang Q, Sun R, Zheng Y, Yuan Y, Li D. Isolation and characterization of the EgWRI1 promoter from oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) and its response to environmental stress and ethylene. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225115. [PMID: 31800586 PMCID: PMC6892528 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
WRI1 is a plant-specific transcription factor that enhances the accumulation of oils through the upregulation of the expression of genes involved in glycolysis and fatty acid biosynthesis. In this study, the EgWRI1 promoter from oil palm was isolated and characterized in transgenic Arabidopsis. The sequence analysis results revealed that various putative plant regulatory elements are present in the EgWRI1 promoter region. The EgWRI1 promoter and beta-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene were transcriptionally fused and transformed into Arabidopsis thaliana. Histochemical analysis revealed that GUS staining was very strong in whole seedlings, especially the stems, leaves, and siliques. Moreover, GUS staining was strong in the silique coats but weak in the seeds. Furthermore, to detect whether EgWRI1 was induced by environmental stress, we detected the expression efficiency of the EgWRI1 promoter in transgenic Arabidopsis treated with low temperature, darkness, and exogenous ethylene. The results showed that the activity of the EgWRI1 promoter was induced by darkness but suppressed significantly when exposed to exogenous ethylene. When treated with low temperature, the activity of the EgWRI1 promoter was first reduced after 24 hours but recovered after 48 hours. Taken together, these results reveal the features of the EgWRI1 promoter from oil palm, which will be helpful for improving oil accumulation in oil palm via reasonable cultivation methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhang
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Hainan, China
| | - Ruhao Sun
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Hainan, China
| | - Yusheng Zheng
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Hainan, China
| | - Yijun Yuan
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Life Sciences and Pharmacy, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- * E-mail: (YY); (DL)
| | - Dongdong Li
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Hainan, China
- * E-mail: (YY); (DL)
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23
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Shrestha P, Zhou XR, Vibhakaran Pillai S, Petrie J, de Feyter R, Singh S. Comparison of the Substrate Preferences of ω3 Fatty Acid Desaturases for Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E3058. [PMID: 31234541 PMCID: PMC6627408 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20123058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3 LC-PUFAs) such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5ω3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6ω3) are important fatty acids for human health. These ω3 LC-PUFAs are produced from their ω3 precursors by a set of desaturases and elongases involved in the biosynthesis pathway and are also converted from ω6 LC-PUFA by omega-3 desaturases (ω3Ds). Here, we have investigated eight ω3-desaturases obtained from a cyanobacterium, plants, fungi and a lower animal species for their activities and compared their specificities for various C18, C20 and C22 ω6 PUFA substrates by transiently expressing them in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Our results showed hitherto unreported activity of many of the ω3Ds on ω6 LC-PUFA substrates leading to their conversion to ω3 LC-PUFAs. This discovery could be important in the engineering of EPA and DHA in heterologous hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xue-Rong Zhou
- CSIRO Agriculture & Food, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
| | | | - James Petrie
- CSIRO Agriculture & Food, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
| | | | - Surinder Singh
- CSIRO Agriculture & Food, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
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24
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Lavell AA, Benning C. Cellular Organization and Regulation of Plant Glycerolipid Metabolism. PLANT & CELL PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 60:1176-1183. [PMID: 30690552 PMCID: PMC6553661 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcz016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Great strides have been made in understanding how membranes and lipid droplets are formed and maintained in land plants, yet much more is to be learned given the complexity of plant lipid metabolism. A complicating factor is the multi-organellar presence of biosynthetic enzymes and unique compositional requirements of different membrane systems. This necessitates a rich network of transporters and transport mechanisms that supply fatty acids, membrane lipids and storage lipids to their final cellular destination. Though we know a large number of the biosynthetic enzymes involved in lipid biosynthesis and a few transport proteins, the regulatory mechanisms, in particular, coordinating expression and/or activity of the majority remain yet to be described. Plants undergoing stress alter their membranes' compositions, and lipids such as phosphatidic acid have been implicated in stress signaling. Additionally, lipid metabolism in chloroplasts supplies precursors for jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis, and perturbations in lipid homeostasis has consequences on JA signaling. In this review, several aspects of plant lipid metabolism are discussed that are currently under investigation: cellular transport of lipids, regulation of lipid biosynthesis, roles of lipids in stress signaling, and lastly the structural and oligomeric states of lipid enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Lavell
- MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - C Benning
- MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Corresponding author: E-mail, ; Fax, 517-353-9168
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25
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Reynolds KB, Cullerne DP, El Tahchy A, Rolland V, Blanchard CL, Wood CC, Singh SP, Petrie JR. Identification of Genes Involved in Lipid Biosynthesis through de novo Transcriptome Assembly from Cocos nucifera Developing Endosperm. PLANT & CELL PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 60:945-960. [PMID: 30608545 PMCID: PMC6498750 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcy247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Cocos nucifera (coconut), a member of the Arecaceae family, is an economically important woody palm that is widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions. The coconut palm is well known for its ability to accumulate large amounts of oil, approximately 63% of the seed weight. Coconut oil varies significantly from other vegetable oils as it contains a high proportion of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA; 85%). The unique composition of coconut oil raises interest in understanding how the coconut palm produces oil of a high saturated MCFA content, and if such an oil profile could be replicated via biotechnology interventions. Although some gene discovery work has been performed there is still a significant gap in the knowledge associated with coconut's oil production pathways. In this study, a de novo transcriptome was assembled for developing coconut endosperm to identify genes involved in the synthesis of lipids, particularly triacylglycerol. Of particular interest were thioesterases, acyltransferases and oleosins because of their involvement in the processes of releasing fatty acids for assembly, esterification of fatty acids into glycerolipids and protecting oils from degradation, respectively. It is hypothesized that some of these genes may exhibit a strong substrate preference for MCFA and hence may assist the future development of vegetable oils with an enriched MCFA composition. In this study, we identified and confirmed functionality of five candidate genes from the gene families of interest. This study will benefit future work in areas of increasing vegetable oil production and the tailoring of oil fatty acid compositions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle B Reynolds
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Department of Primary Industries, Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
- ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Functional Grains, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
| | - Darren P Cullerne
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Anna El Tahchy
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Vivien Rolland
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Christopher L Blanchard
- ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Functional Grains, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
| | - Craig C Wood
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Surinder P Singh
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - James R Petrie
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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26
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Liu J, Zhang C, Lu W. Biosynthesis of Long-Chain ω-Hydroxy Fatty Acids by Engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2019; 67:4545-4552. [PMID: 30929440 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.9b00109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Long-chain hydroxy fatty acids (HFAs) are rare in nature but have many promising industrial applications. In this study, we developed a biosynthesis method to produce long-chain ω-hydroxy fatty acids. Through disruption of the acyl-CoA synthetases FAA1 and FAA4 and the fatty acyl-CoA oxidase POX1, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain was engineered to accumulate free fatty acids (FFAs). Subsequently, the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase CYP52M1 from Starmerella bombicola was introduced to convert FFAs to HFAs, leading to the production of C16 and C18 HFAs at the ω or ω-1 positions. Next, CYP52M1 was reconstituted with the homologous reductase S. bombicola CPR and the heterologous reductase Arabidopsis thaliana cytochrome P450 reductase. The results showed that the CYP52M1-AtCPR1 system significantly increased the hydroxylation in FFA. Moreover, a self-sufficient P450 enzyme system was constructed to achieve higher transformation efficiency. Finally, fed-batch fermentation yielded as much as 347 ± 9.2 mg/L ω-HFAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Liu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology , Tianjin University , Tianjin 300072 , P. R. China
| | - Chuanbo Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology , Tianjin University , Tianjin 300072 , P. R. China
| | - Wenyu Lu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology , Tianjin University , Tianjin 300072 , P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of System Bioengineering (Tianjin University) , Ministry of Education , Tianjin , 300072 , P. R. China
- SynBio Research Platform , Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin) , Tianjin , 300350 , P. R. China
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27
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Vanhercke T, Dyer JM, Mullen RT, Kilaru A, Rahman MM, Petrie JR, Green AG, Yurchenko O, Singh SP. Metabolic engineering for enhanced oil in biomass. Prog Lipid Res 2019; 74:103-129. [PMID: 30822461 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The world is hungry for energy. Plant oils in the form of triacylglycerol (TAG) are one of the most reduced storage forms of carbon found in nature and hence represent an excellent source of energy. The myriad of applications for plant oils range across foods, feeds, biofuels, and chemical feedstocks as a unique substitute for petroleum derivatives. Traditionally, plant oils are sourced either from oilseeds or tissues surrounding the seed (mesocarp). Most vegetative tissues, such as leaves and stems, however, accumulate relatively low levels of TAG. Since non-seed tissues constitute the majority of the plant biomass, metabolic engineering to improve their low-intrinsic TAG-biosynthetic capacity has recently attracted significant attention as a novel, sustainable and potentially high-yielding oil production platform. While initial attempts predominantly targeted single genes, recent combinatorial metabolic engineering strategies have focused on the simultaneous optimization of oil synthesis, packaging and degradation pathways (i.e., 'push, pull, package and protect'). This holistic approach has resulted in dramatic, seed-like TAG levels in vegetative tissues. With the first proof of concept hurdle addressed, new challenges and opportunities emerge, including engineering fatty acid profile, translation into agronomic crops, extraction, and downstream processing to deliver accessible and sustainable bioenergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Vanhercke
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
| | - John M Dyer
- USDA-ARS, US Arid-Land Agricultural Research Center, Maricopa, AZ, USA
| | - Robert T Mullen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Aruna Kilaru
- Department of Biological Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Md Mahbubur Rahman
- Department of Biological Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - James R Petrie
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, ACT, Australia; Folear, Goulburn, NSW, Australia
| | - Allan G Green
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Olga Yurchenko
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Surinder P Singh
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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28
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Maraschin FDS, Kulcheski FR, Segatto ALA, Trenz TS, Barrientos-Diaz O, Margis-Pinheiro M, Margis R, Turchetto-Zolet AC. Enzymes of glycerol-3-phosphate pathway in triacylglycerol synthesis in plants: Function, biotechnological application and evolution. Prog Lipid Res 2019; 73:46-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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29
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Wood CC, Okada S, Taylor MC, Menon A, Mathew A, Cullerne D, Stephen SJ, Allen RS, Zhou X, Liu Q, Oakeshott JG, Singh SP, Green AG. Seed-specific RNAi in safflower generates a superhigh oleic oil with extended oxidative stability. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2018; 16:1788-1796. [PMID: 29509999 PMCID: PMC6131418 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Vegetable oils extracted from oilseeds are an important component of foods, but are also used in a range of high value oleochemical applications. Despite being biodegradable, nontoxic and renewable current plant oils suffer from the presence of residual polyunsaturated fatty acids that are prone to free radical formation that limit their oxidative stability, and consequently shelf life and functionality. Many decades of plant breeding have been successful in raising the oleic content to ~90%, but have come at the expense of overall field performance, including poor yields. Here, we engineer superhigh oleic (SHO) safflower producing a seed oil with 93% oleic generated from seed produced in multisite field trials spanning five generations. SHO safflower oil is the result of seed-specific hairpin-based RNA interference of two safflower lipid biosynthetic genes, FAD2.2 and FATB, producing seed oil containing less than 1.5% polyunsaturates and only 4% saturates but with no impact on lipid profiles of leaves and roots. Transgenic SHO events were compared to non-GM safflower in multisite trial plots with a wide range of growing season conditions, which showed no evidence of impact on seed yield. The oxidative stability of the field-grown SHO oil produced from various sites was 50 h at 110°C compared to 13 h for conventional ~80% oleic safflower oils. SHO safflower produces a uniquely stable vegetable oil across different field conditions that can provide the scale of production that is required for meeting the global demands for high stability oils in food and the oleochemical industry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Anu Mathew
- CSIRO Agriculture and FoodCanberraACTAustralia
| | | | | | | | | | - Qing Liu
- CSIRO Agriculture and FoodCanberraACTAustralia
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30
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Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry based approach for rapid comparison of lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase activity on multiple substrates. J Chromatogr A 2018; 1572:100-105. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2018.08.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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31
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Chen W, Salari H, Taylor MC, Jost R, Berkowitz O, Barrow R, Qiu D, Branco R, Masle J. NMT1 and NMT3 N-Methyltransferase Activity Is Critical to Lipid Homeostasis, Morphogenesis, and Reproduction. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 177:1605-1628. [PMID: 29777000 PMCID: PMC6084668 DOI: 10.1104/pp.18.00457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is a major membrane phospholipid and a precursor for major signaling molecules. Understanding its synthesis is important for improving plant growth, nutritional value, and resistance to stress. PC synthesis is complex, involving several interconnected pathways, one of which proceeds from serine-derived phosphoethanolamine to form phosphocholine through three sequential phospho-base methylations catalyzed by phosphoethanolamine N-methyltransferases (PEAMTs). The contribution of this pathway to the production of PC and plant growth has been a matter of some debate. Although a handful of individual PEAMTs have been described, there has not been any in planta investigation of a PEAMT family. Here, we provide a comparative functional analysis of two Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) PEAMTs, NMT1 and the little known NMT3. Analysis of loss-of-function mutants demonstrates that NMT1 and NMT3 synergistically regulate PC homeostasis, phase transition at the shoot apex, coordinated organ development, and fertility through overlapping but also specific functions. The nmt1 nmt3 double mutant shows extensive sterility, drastically reduced PC concentrations, and altered lipid profiles. These findings demonstrate that the phospho-base methylation pathway makes a major contribution to PC synthesis in Arabidopsis and that NMT1 and NMT3 play major roles in its catalysis and the regulation of PC homeostasis as well as in plant growth and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihua Chen
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Hooman Salari
- Agronomy and Plant Breeding Department, Razi University, Kermanshah 67155, Iran
| | - Matthew C Taylor
- Land and Water Flagship, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Ricarda Jost
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Oliver Berkowitz
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Russell Barrow
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Deyun Qiu
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Rémi Branco
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Josette Masle
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
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32
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Pouvreau B, Vanhercke T, Singh S. From plant metabolic engineering to plant synthetic biology: The evolution of the design/build/test/learn cycle. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2018; 273:3-12. [PMID: 29907306 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2018.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Genetic improvement of crops started since the dawn of agriculture and has continuously evolved in parallel with emerging technological innovations. The use of genome engineering in crop improvement has already revolutionised modern agriculture in less than thirty years. Plant metabolic engineering is still at a development stage and faces several challenges, in particular with the time necessary to develop plant based solutions to bio-industrial demands. However the recent success of several metabolic engineering approaches applied to major crops are encouraging and the emerging field of plant synthetic biology offers new opportunities. Some pioneering studies have demonstrated that synthetic genetic circuits or orthogonal metabolic pathways can be introduced into plants to achieve a desired function. The combination of metabolic engineering and synthetic biology is expected to significantly accelerate crop improvement. A defining aspect of both fields is the design/build/test/learn cycle, or the use of iterative rounds of testing modifications to refine hypotheses and develop best solutions. Several technological and technical improvements are now available to make a better use of each design, build, test, and learn components of the cycle. All these advances should facilitate the rapid development of a wide variety of bio-products for a world in need of sustainable solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Pouvreau
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, PO Box 1600, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
| | - Thomas Vanhercke
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, PO Box 1600, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Surinder Singh
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, PO Box 1600, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
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33
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Tshabuse F, Farrant JM, Humbert L, Moura D, Rainteau D, Espinasse C, Idrissi A, Merlier F, Acket S, Rafudeen MS, Thomasset B, Ruelland E. Glycerolipid analysis during desiccation and recovery of the resurrection plant Xerophyta humilis (Bak) Dur and Schinz. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2018; 41:533-547. [PMID: 28865108 DOI: 10.1111/pce.13063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Revised: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Xerophyta humilis is a poikilochlorophyllous monocot resurrection plant used as a model to study vegetative desiccation tolerance. Dehydration imposes tension and ultimate loss of integrity of membranes in desiccation sensitive species. We investigated the predominant molecular species of glycerolipids present in root and leaf tissues, using multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry, and then analysed changes therein during dehydration and subsequent rehydration of whole plants. The presence of fatty acids with long carbon chains and with odd numbers of carbons were detected and confirmed by gas chromatography. Dehydration of both leaves and roots resulted in an increase in species containing polyunsaturated fatty acids and a decrease in disaturated species. Upon rehydration, lipid saturation was reversed, with this being initiated immediately upon watering in roots but only 12-24 hr later in leaves. Relative levels of species with short-chained odd-numbered saturated fatty acids decreased during dehydration and increased during rehydration, whereas the reverse trend was observed for long-chained fatty acids. X. humilis has a unique lipid composition, this report being one of the few to demonstrate the presence of odd-numbered fatty acids in plant phosphoglycerolipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freedom Tshabuse
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa
| | - Jill M Farrant
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa
| | - Lydie Humbert
- Laboratoire des BioMolécules, CNRS UMR7203, Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Faculté de Médecine-Saint Antoine, 184 rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, 75571, Paris Cedex 12, France
| | - Deborah Moura
- Université Paris-Est, UPEC, Institut d'Ecologie et des Sciences Environnementales de Paris, 94010, Créteil Cedex, France
| | - Dominique Rainteau
- Laboratoire des BioMolécules, CNRS UMR7203, Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Faculté de Médecine-Saint Antoine, 184 rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, 75571, Paris Cedex 12, France
| | - Christophe Espinasse
- Université Paris-Est, UPEC, Institut d'Ecologie et des Sciences Environnementales de Paris, 94010, Créteil Cedex, France
| | - Abdelghani Idrissi
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Technologique de Compiegne (UTC), Génie Enzymatique et Cellulaire (GEC), FRE-CNRS 3580, CS 60319, 60203, Compiègne Cedex, France
| | - Franck Merlier
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Technologique de Compiegne (UTC), Génie Enzymatique et Cellulaire (GEC), FRE-CNRS 3580, CS 60319, 60203, Compiègne Cedex, France
| | - Sébastien Acket
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Technologique de Compiegne (UTC), Génie Enzymatique et Cellulaire (GEC), FRE-CNRS 3580, CS 60319, 60203, Compiègne Cedex, France
| | - Mohamad S Rafudeen
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa
| | - Brigitte Thomasset
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Technologique de Compiegne (UTC), Génie Enzymatique et Cellulaire (GEC), FRE-CNRS 3580, CS 60319, 60203, Compiègne Cedex, France
| | - Eric Ruelland
- Université Paris-Est, UPEC, Institut d'Ecologie et des Sciences Environnementales de Paris, 94010, Créteil Cedex, France
- CNRS, Institut d'Ecologie et des Sciences Environnementales de Paris, UMR7618, 94010, Créteil cedex, France
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34
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Xiao K, Yue XH, Chen WC, Zhou XR, Wang L, Xu L, Huang FH, Wan X. Metabolic Engineering for Enhanced Medium Chain Omega Hydroxy Fatty Acid Production in Escherichia coli. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:139. [PMID: 29467747 PMCID: PMC5808347 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Medium chain hydroxy fatty acids (HFAs) at ω-1, 2, or 3 positions (ω-1/2/3) are rare in nature but are attractive due to their potential applications in industry. They can be metabolically engineered in Escherichia coli, however, the current yield is low. In this study, metabolic engineering with P450BM3 monooxygenase was applied to regulate both the chain length and sub-terminal position of HFA products in E. coli, leading to increased yield. Five acyl-acyl carrier protein thioesterases from plants and bacteria were first evaluated for regulating the chain length of fatty acids. Co-expression of the selected thioesterase gene CcFatB1 with a fatty acid metabolism regulator fadR and monooxygenase P450BM3 boosted the production of HFAs especially ω-3-OH-C14:1, in both the wild type and fadD deficient strain. Supplementing renewable glycerol to reduce the usage of glucose as a carbon source further increased the HFAs production to 144 mg/L, representing the highest titer of such HFAs obtained in E. coli under the comparable conditions. This study illustrated an improved metabolic strategy for medium chain ω-1/2/3 HFAs production in E. coli. In addition, the produced HFAs were mostly secreted into culture media, which eased its recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Xiao
- Oil Crops Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiu-Hong Yue
- Oil Crops Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Wen-Chao Chen
- Oil Crops Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Wuhan, China.,Oil Crops and Lipids Process Technology National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Lipid Chemistry and Nutrition, Wuhan, China
| | - Xue-Rong Zhou
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Lian Wang
- Oil Crops Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Lin Xu
- Oil Crops Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng-Hong Huang
- Oil Crops Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Wuhan, China.,Oil Crops and Lipids Process Technology National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Lipid Chemistry and Nutrition, Wuhan, China
| | - Xia Wan
- Oil Crops Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Wuhan, China.,Oil Crops and Lipids Process Technology National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Lipid Chemistry and Nutrition, Wuhan, China
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Shrestha P, Hussain D, Mulder RJ, Taylor MC, Singh SP, Petrie JR, Zhou XR. Increased DHA Production in Seed Oil Using a Selective Lysophosphatidic Acid Acyltransferase. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2018; 9:1234. [PMID: 30186303 PMCID: PMC6113368 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.01234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic engineering of the omega-3 (ω3) long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis pathway has generated fish oil-like levels of pharmaceutically and nutritionally important docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in plant seeds. However, the majority of DHA has been accumulated at the sn-1 and sn-3 positions of triacylglycerol (TAG) in these engineered seeds, leaving only a minor amount (∼10%) at sn-2 position and indicating a strong discrimination (or, a very poor specificity) for DHA by seed lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferases (LPAATs), which mediate the acylation of sn-2 position of glycerol backbone. In order to increase the level of DHA at sn-2 position of TAG and to increase overall DHA level in seeds, we attempted to discover DHA-preferring LPAATs. Several LPAATs for acylation of the sn-2 position of the TAG glycerol backbone were investigated for substrate preference for DHA. In transiently expressing these LPAATs in Nicotiana benthamiana, a Mortierella alpina LPAAT had the highest substrate specificity for accumulating DHA onto oleoyl-lysophosphatidic acid (oleoyl-LPA), while the plant LPAATs tested showed lower preference for DHA. In a competition assay with a pool of four ω3 acyl-Coenzyme A (CoA) substrates involved in the DHA biosynthesis pathway, LPAATs from both M. alpina and Emiliania huxleyi showed a high preference for DHA-CoA acylation onto oleoyl-LPA. When docosahexaenoyl-LPA was used as the acyl receiver, M. alpina LPAAT also showed a high preference for DHA-CoA. Stable overexpression of M. alpina LPAAT in an Arabidopsis line that expressed the DHA biosynthesis pathway significantly increased both the total DHA levels and the distribution of DHA onto the sn-2 position of seed TAG. LC-MS analysis of the seed TAG species also confirmed that overexpression of M. alpina LPAAT increased di-DHA and tri-DHA TAGs, suggesting that the M. alpina LPAAT could enrich DHA at the TAG sn-2 position, leading to a metabolic engineering of oil seed for channeling DHA into the sn-2 position of TAG and to a higher DHA level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pushkar Shrestha
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Dawar Hussain
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Roger J. Mulder
- Manufacturing, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew C. Taylor
- Land and Water, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Surinder P. Singh
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - James R. Petrie
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Xue-Rong Zhou
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- *Correspondence: Xue-Rong Zhou,
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36
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Reynolds KB, Taylor MC, Cullerne DP, Blanchard CL, Wood CC, Singh SP, Petrie JR. A reconfigured Kennedy pathway which promotes efficient accumulation of medium-chain fatty acids in leaf oils. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2017; 15:1397-1408. [PMID: 28301719 PMCID: PMC5633779 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 02/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA, C6-14 fatty acids) are an ideal feedstock for biodiesel and broader oleochemicals. In recent decades, several studies have used transgenic engineering to produce MCFA in seeds oils, although these modifications result in unbalance membrane lipid profiles that impair oil yields and agronomic performance. Given the ability to engineer nonseed organs to produce oils, we have previously demonstrated that MCFA profiles can be produced in leaves, but this also results in unbalanced membrane lipid profiles and undesirable chlorosis and cell death. Here we demonstrate that the introduction of a diacylglycerol acyltransferase from oil palm, EgDGAT1, was necessary to channel nascent MCFA directly into leaf oils and therefore bypassing MCFA residing in membrane lipids. This pathway resulted in increased flux towards MCFA rich leaf oils, reduced MCFA in leaf membrane lipids and, crucially, the alleviation of chlorosis. Deep sequencing of African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) and coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) generated candidate genes of interest, which were then tested for their ability to improve oil accumulation. Thioesterases were explored for the production of lauric acid (C12:0) and myristic (C14:0). The thioesterases from Umbellularia californica and Cinnamomum camphora produced a total of 52% C12:0 and 40% C14:0, respectively, in transient leaf assays. This study demonstrated that the introduction of a complete acyl-CoA-dependent pathway for the synthesis of MFCA-rich oils avoided disturbing membrane homoeostasis and cell death phenotypes. This study outlines a transgenic strategy for the engineering of biomass crops with high levels of MCFA rich leaf oils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle B. Reynolds
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Agriculture and FoodActonACTAustralia
- Department of Primary IndustriesGraham Centre for Agricultural InnovationCharles Sturt UniversityWagga WaggaNSWAustralia
- ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Functional GrainsCharles Sturt UniversityWagga WaggaNSWAustralia
| | - Matthew C. Taylor
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research OrganizationLand and WaterActonACTAustralia
| | - Darren P. Cullerne
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Agriculture and FoodActonACTAustralia
- School of Environmental and Life SciencesUniversity of NewcastleNewcastleNSWAustralia
| | - Christopher L. Blanchard
- ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Functional GrainsCharles Sturt UniversityWagga WaggaNSWAustralia
| | - Craig C. Wood
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Agriculture and FoodActonACTAustralia
| | - Surinder P. Singh
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Agriculture and FoodActonACTAustralia
| | - James R. Petrie
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Agriculture and FoodActonACTAustralia
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37
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Pyc M, Cai Y, Greer MS, Yurchenko O, Chapman KD, Dyer JM, Mullen RT. Turning Over a New Leaf in Lipid Droplet Biology. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2017; 22:596-609. [PMID: 28454678 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2017.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Lipid droplets (LDs) in plants have long been viewed as storage depots for neutral lipids that serve as sources of carbon, energy, and lipids for membrane biosynthesis. While much of our knowledge of LD function in plants comes from studies of oilseeds, a recent surge in research on LDs in non-seed cell types has led to an array of new discoveries. It is now clear that both evolutionarily conserved and kingdom-specific mechanisms underlie the biogenesis of LDs in eukaryotes, and proteomics and homology-based approaches have identified new protein players. This review highlights some of these recent discoveries and other new areas of plant LD research, including their role in stress responses and as targets of metabolic engineering strategies aimed at increasing oil content in bioenergy crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Pyc
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Yingqi Cai
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Plant Lipid Research, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA
| | - Michael S Greer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Plant Lipid Research, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA
| | - Olga Yurchenko
- US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, US Arid-Land Agricultural Research Center, Maricopa, AZ 85138, USA
| | - Kent D Chapman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Plant Lipid Research, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA
| | - John M Dyer
- US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, US Arid-Land Agricultural Research Center, Maricopa, AZ 85138, USA.
| | - Robert T Mullen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
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Abstract
Lipids and oils derived from plant and algal photosynthesis constitute much of human daily caloric intake and provide the basis for high-energy bioproducts, chemical feedstocks for countless applications, and even fossil fuels over geological time scales. Sustainable production of high-energy compounds from plants is essential to preserving fossil fuel sources and ensuring the well-being of future generations. As a result of progress in basic research on plant and algal lipid metabolism, in combination with advances in synthetic biology, we can now tailor plant lipids for desirable biological, physical, and chemical properties. We highlight recent advances in plant lipid translational biology and discuss untapped areas of research that might expand the application of plant lipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Horn
- Michigan State University-U.S. Department of Energy Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Christoph Benning
- Michigan State University-U.S. Department of Energy Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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39
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Zhi Y, Taylor MC, Campbell PM, Warden AC, Shrestha P, El Tahchy A, Rolland V, Vanhercke T, Petrie JR, White RG, Chen W, Singh SP, Liu Q. Comparative Lipidomics and Proteomics of Lipid Droplets in the Mesocarp and Seed Tissues of Chinese Tallow ( Triadica sebifera). FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2017; 8:1339. [PMID: 28824675 PMCID: PMC5541829 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2017.01339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Lipid droplets (LDs) are composed of a monolayer of phospholipids (PLs), surrounding a core of non-polar lipids that consist mostly of triacylglycerols (TAGs) and to a lesser extent diacylglycerols. In this study, lipidome analysis illustrated striking differences in non-polar lipids and PL species between LDs derived from Triadica sebifera seed kernels and mesocarp. In mesocarp LDs, the most abundant species of TAG contained one C18:1 and two C16:0 and fatty acids, while TAGs containing three C18 fatty acids with higher level of unsaturation were dominant in the seed kernel LDs. This reflects the distinct differences in fatty acid composition of mesocarp (palmitate-rich) and seed-derived oil (α-linoleneate-rich) in T. sebifera. Major PLs in seed LDs were found to be rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, in contrast to those with relatively shorter carbon chain and lower level of unsaturation in mesocarp LDs. The LD proteome analysis in T. sebifera identified 207 proteins from mesocarp, and 54 proteins from seed kernel, which belong to various functional classes including lipid metabolism, transcription and translation, trafficking and transport, cytoskeleton, chaperones, and signal transduction. Oleosin and lipid droplets associated proteins (LDAP) were found to be the predominant proteins associated with LDs in seed and mesocarp tissues, respectively. We also show that LDs appear to be in close proximity to a number of organelles including the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, peroxisomes, and Golgi apparatus. This comparative study between seed and mesocarp LDs may shed some light on the structure of plant LDs and improve our understanding of their functionality and cellular metabolic networks in oleaginous plant tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Zhi
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China
- CSIRO Agriculture and FoodCanberra, ACT, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Wenli Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Wenli Chen
| | | | - Qing Liu
- CSIRO Agriculture and FoodCanberra, ACT, Australia
- Qing Liu
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40
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Vanhercke T, Divi UK, El Tahchy A, Liu Q, Mitchell M, Taylor MC, Eastmond PJ, Bryant F, Mechanicos A, Blundell C, Zhi Y, Belide S, Shrestha P, Zhou XR, Ral JP, White RG, Green A, Singh SP, Petrie JR. Step changes in leaf oil accumulation via iterative metabolic engineering. Metab Eng 2017; 39:237-246. [PMID: 27993560 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2016.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Revised: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Synthesis and accumulation of plant oils in the entire vegetative biomass offers the potential to deliver yields surpassing those of oilseed crops. However, current levels still fall well short of those typically found in oilseeds. Here we show how transcriptome and biochemical analyses pointed to a futile cycle in a previously established Nicotiana tabacum line, accumulating up to 15% (dry weight) of the storage lipid triacylglycerol in leaf tissue. To overcome this metabolic bottleneck, we either silenced the SDP1 lipase or overexpressed the Arabidopsis thaliana LEC2 transcription factor in this transgenic background. Both strategies independently resulted in the accumulation of 30-33% triacylglycerol in leaf tissues. Our results demonstrate that the combined optimization of de novo fatty acid biosynthesis, storage lipid assembly and lipid turnover in leaf tissue results in a major overhaul of the plant central carbon allocation and lipid metabolism. The resulting further step changes in oil accumulation in the entire plant biomass offers the possibility of delivering yields that outperform current oilseed crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Vanhercke
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, PO Box 1600, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
| | - Uday K Divi
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, PO Box 1600, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Anna El Tahchy
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, PO Box 1600, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Qing Liu
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, PO Box 1600, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Madeline Mitchell
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, PO Box 1600, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Matthew C Taylor
- CSIRO Land and Water, PO Box 1700, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Peter J Eastmond
- Department of Plant Biology and Crop Science, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2JQ, United Kingdomna Scholarship Council (CSC
| | - Fiona Bryant
- Department of Plant Biology and Crop Science, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2JQ, United Kingdomna Scholarship Council (CSC
| | - Anna Mechanicos
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, PO Box 1600, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Cheryl Blundell
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, PO Box 1600, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Yao Zhi
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, PO Box 1600, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Srinivas Belide
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, PO Box 1600, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Pushkar Shrestha
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, PO Box 1600, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Xue-Rong Zhou
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, PO Box 1600, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Jean-Philippe Ral
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, PO Box 1600, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Rosemary G White
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, PO Box 1600, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Allan Green
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, PO Box 1600, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Surinder P Singh
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, PO Box 1600, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - James R Petrie
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, PO Box 1600, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
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41
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El Tahchy A, Reynolds KB, Petrie JR, Singh SP, Vanhercke T. Thioesterase overexpression in Nicotiana benthamiana leaf increases the fatty acid flux into triacylgycerol. FEBS Lett 2017; 591:448-456. [PMID: 28024101 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Increasing the oil content of leafy biomass is emerging as a sustainable source of vegetable oil to meet global demand. Transient gene expression in leaf provides a reproducible platform to study the effect of transgenes on lipid biosynthesis. We first generated a transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana line containing high levels of triacylglycerol in the leaf tissue (31.4% by dry weight) by stably expressing WRI1, DGAT1 and OLEOSIN. We then used this line as a platform to test the effect of three Arabidopsis thaliana thioesterases (FATA1, FATA2 and FATB). Further increases in leaf oil content were observed with biochemical and lipid assays revealing an increase in the export of fatty acids from the chloroplast and a modification in the oil profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna El Tahchy
- Agriculture and Food, CSIRO, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Kyle B Reynolds
- Agriculture and Food, CSIRO, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - James R Petrie
- Agriculture and Food, CSIRO, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Surinder P Singh
- Agriculture and Food, CSIRO, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Thomas Vanhercke
- Agriculture and Food, CSIRO, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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42
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Adhikari ND, Bates PD, Browse J. WRINKLED1 Rescues Feedback Inhibition of Fatty Acid Synthesis in Hydroxylase-Expressing Seeds. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 171:179-91. [PMID: 27208047 PMCID: PMC4854691 DOI: 10.1104/pp.15.01906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Previous attempts at engineering Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) to produce seed oils containing hydroxy fatty acids (HFA) have resulted in low yields of HFA compared with the native castor (Ricinus communis) plant and caused undesirable effects, including reduced total oil content. Recent studies have led to an understanding of problems involved in the accumulation of HFA in oils of transgenic plants, which include metabolic bottlenecks and a decrease in the rate of fatty acid synthesis. Focusing on engineering the triacylglycerol assembly mechanisms led to modest increases in the HFA content of seed oil, but much room for improvement still remains. We hypothesized that engineering fatty acid synthesis in the plastids to increase flux would facilitate enhanced total incorporation of fatty acids, including HFA, into seed oil. The transcription factor WRINKLED1 (WRI1) positively regulates the expression of genes involved in fatty acid synthesis and controls seed oil levels. We overexpressed Arabidopsis WRI1 in seeds of a transgenic line expressing the castor fatty acid hydroxylase. The proportion of HFA in the oil, the total HFA per seed, and the total oil content of seeds increased to an average of 20.9%, 1.26 µg, and 32.2%, respectively, across five independent lines, compared with 17.6%, 0.83 µg, and 27.9%, respectively, for isogenic segregants. WRI1 and WRI1-regulated genes involved in fatty acid synthesis were up-regulated, providing for a corresponding increase in the rate of fatty acid synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil D Adhikari
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164-6340 (N.D.A., J.B.); andDepartment of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406-0001 (P.D.B.)
| | - Philip D Bates
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164-6340 (N.D.A., J.B.); andDepartment of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406-0001 (P.D.B.)
| | - John Browse
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164-6340 (N.D.A., J.B.); andDepartment of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406-0001 (P.D.B.)
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43
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Xu C, Shanklin J. Triacylglycerol Metabolism, Function, and Accumulation in Plant Vegetative Tissues. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PLANT BIOLOGY 2016; 67:179-206. [PMID: 26845499 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-arplant-043015-111641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Oils in the form of triacylglycerols are the most abundant energy-dense storage compounds in eukaryotes, and their metabolism plays a key role in cellular energy balance, lipid homeostasis, growth, and maintenance. Plants accumulate oils primarily in seeds and fruits. Plant oils are used for food and feed and, increasingly, as feedstocks for biodiesel and industrial chemicals. Although plant vegetative tissues do not accumulate significant levels of triacylglycerols, they possess a high capacity for their synthesis, storage, and metabolism. The development of plants that accumulate oil in vegetative tissues presents an opportunity for expanded production of triacylglycerols as a renewable and sustainable bioenergy source. Here, we review recent progress in the understanding of triacylglycerol synthesis, turnover, storage, and function in leaves and discuss emerging genetic engineering strategies targeted at enhancing triacylglycerol accumulation in biomass crops. Such plants could potentially be modified to produce oleochemical feedstocks or nutraceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changcheng Xu
- Biology Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973; ,
| | - John Shanklin
- Biology Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973; ,
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44
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Singer SD, Zou J, Weselake RJ. Abiotic factors influence plant storage lipid accumulation and composition. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2016; 243:1-9. [PMID: 26795146 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2015.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2015] [Revised: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The demand for plant-derived oils has increased substantially over the last decade, and is sure to keep growing. While there has been a surge in research efforts to produce plants with improved oil content and quality, in most cases the enhancements have been small. To add further complexity to this situation, substantial differences in seed oil traits among years and field locations have indicated that plant lipid biosynthesis is also influenced to a large extent by multiple environmental factors such as temperature, drought, light availability and soil nutrients. On the molecular and biochemical levels, the expression and/or activities of fatty acid desaturases, as well as diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1, have been found to be affected by abiotic factors, suggesting that they play a role in the lipid content and compositional changes seen under abiotic stress conditions. Unfortunately, while only a very small number of strategies have been developed as of yet to minimize these environmental effects on the production of storage lipids, it is clear that this feat will be of the utmost importance for developing superior oil crops with the capability to perform in a consistent manner in field conditions in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy D Singer
- Alberta Innovates Phytola Centre, Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - Jitao Zou
- National Research Council Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 0W9, Canada
| | - Randall J Weselake
- Alberta Innovates Phytola Centre, Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2P5, Canada.
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