Mint Family Enzymes Create Key Rings in Plant Compounds

Greg Howard
16th September, 2024

Mint Family Enzymes Create Key Rings in Plant Compounds

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers at Michigan State University studied the biosynthesis of furanoclerodanes in the mint family (Lamiaceae)
  • They identified 10 CYP76BK1 orthologs across six Lamiaceae subfamilies that help form the furan ring in furanoclerodanes
  • The study found that these enzymes have an ancient evolutionary origin and are crucial for the chemical diversity in the mint family
The Lamiaceae family, commonly known as the mint family, is renowned for its diversity of chemical compounds, particularly furanoclerodanes. These diterpenoids have significant bioactivities, including insect repellent properties. A recent study conducted by researchers at Michigan State University[1] has shed light on the biosynthesis of these compounds, focusing on the role of the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase enzyme, specifically the CYP76BK1 orthologs. The study aimed to explore the biosynthetic pathways responsible for the formation of furanoclerodanes across various subfamilies of the Lamiaceae. The researchers began by identifying orthologs of a previously known enzyme, VacCYP76BK1, from Vitex agnus-castus, in Ajuga reptans and Callicarpa americana. These orthologs were found to catalyze the oxidative cyclization of clerodane backbones, forming a furan ring, which is a key structural component of furanoclerodanes. The researchers discovered a total of 10 CYP76BK1 orthologs across six Lamiaceae subfamilies. Through detailed analysis of chromosome-scale genomes, they identified four members of this enzyme family as syntelogs within a conserved syntenic block, indicating an evolutionary lineage that existed before the speciation of the Lamiaceae. This finding suggests that the biosynthetic capacity for furanoclerodane formation is an ancient trait retained across the family. Functional characterization of these orthologs confirmed their role in furan ring formation. Interestingly, some orthologs were also found to produce two novel lactone ring structures, further expanding the structural diversity of furanoclerodanes. The distribution of these CYP76BK1 orthologs closely matched the distribution of reported furanoclerodanes within the Lamiaceae, reinforcing their central role in the biosynthesis of these compounds. This study builds upon previous research on terpene biosynthesis in plants, particularly the role of cytochrome P450 oxygenases (CYPs) in modifying terpene backbones[2]. The findings highlight the importance of gene family expansion in the evolution of chemical diversity within the Lamiaceae, as previously observed in studies on the mint family[3]. Additionally, the study's comparative genomic approach aligns with earlier research on Salvia hispanica, another member of the Lamiaceae, which revealed the role of terpene synthases in chemical diversity[4]. By elucidating the biosynthetic pathways and evolutionary history of furanoclerodane formation, this study opens up new possibilities for biotechnological applications. Harnessing the economic potential of these compounds could lead to the development of new insect repellents, pharmaceuticals, and other valuable products. The conservation of CYP76BK1 ortholog function across diverse subfamilies underscores the potential for leveraging these enzymes in future biotechnological endeavors. In summary, the research conducted by Michigan State University provides significant insights into the biosynthesis of furanoclerodanes in the Lamiaceae family. By identifying and characterizing the CYP76BK1 orthologs, the study enhances our understanding of the genetic and enzymatic mechanisms underlying the production of these bioactive compounds. This knowledge not only advances the field of plant biochemistry but also paves the way for innovative applications in agriculture, medicine, and industry.

GeneticsBiochemPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) CYP76BK1 orthologs catalyze furan and lactone ring formation in clerodane diterpenoids across the mint family.

Published 14th September, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1111/tpj.17031

Related Studies

2) Cytochrome P450 enzymes: A driving force of plant diterpene diversity.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2018.12.003

3) Phylogenomic Mining of the Mints Reveals Multiple Mechanisms Contributing to the Evolution of Chemical Diversity in Lamiaceae.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molp.2018.06.002

4) Chromosome-scale Salvia hispanica L. (Chia) genome assembly reveals rampant Salvia interspecies introgression.

https://doi.org/10.1002/tpg2.20494


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