Organization of monoterpene biosynthesis in Mentha. Immunocytochemical localizations of geranyl diphosphate synthase, limonene-6-hydroxylase, isopiperitenol dehydrogenase, and pulegone reductase

We present immunocytochemical localizations of four enzymes involved in p-menthane monoterpene biosynthesis in mint: the large and small subunits of peppermint (Mentha x piperita) geranyl diphosphate synthase, spearmint (Mentha spicata) (-)-(4S)-limonene-6-hydroxylase, peppermint (-)-trans-isopiperitenol dehydrogenase, and peppermint (+)-pulegone reductase. All were localized to the secretory cells of peltate glandular trichomes with abundant labeling corresponding to the secretory phase of gland development. Immunogold labeling of geranyl diphosphate synthase occurred within secretory cell leucoplasts, (-)-4S-limonene-6-hydroxylase labeling was associated with gland cell endoplasmic reticulum, (-)-trans-isopiperitenol dehydrogenase labeling was restricted to secretory cell mitochondria, while (+)-pulegone reductase labeling occurred only in secretory cell cytoplasm. We discuss this pathway compartmentalization in relation to possible mechanisms for the intracellular movement of monoterpene metabolites, and for monoterpene secretion into the extracellular essential oil storage cavity.     

Bidirectional Secretions from Glandular Trichomes of Pyrethrum Enable Immunization of Seedlings

Glandular trichomes are currently known only to store mono- and sesquiterpene compounds in the subcuticular cavity just above the apical cells of trichomes or emit them into the headspace. We demonstrate that basipetal secretions can also occur, by addressing the organization of the biosynthesis and storage of pyrethrins in pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium) flowers. Pyrethrum produces a diverse array of pyrethrins and sesquiterpene lactones for plant defense. The highest concentrations accumulate in the flower achenes, which are densely covered by glandular trichomes. The trichomes of mature achenes contain sesquiterpene lactones and other secondary metabolites, but no pyrethrins. However, during achene maturation, the key pyrethrin biosynthetic pathway enzyme chrysanthemyl diphosphate synthase is expressed only in glandular trichomes. We show evidence that chrysanthemic acid is translocated from trichomes to pericarp, where it is esterified into pyrethrins that accumulate in intercellular spaces. During seed maturation, pyrethrins are then absorbed by the embryo, and during seed germination, the embryo-stored pyrethrins are recruited by seedling tissues, which, for lack of trichomes, cannot produce pyrethrins themselves. The findings demonstrate that plant glandular trichomes can selectively secrete in a basipetal direction monoterpenoids, which can reach distant tissues, participate in chemical conversions, and immunize seedlings against insects and fungi.     

SECRETORY CAVITY DEVELOPMENT IN GLANDULAR TRICHOMES OF CANNABIS SATIVA L. (CANNABACEAE)

Development of the secretory cavity and formation of the subcuticular wall of glandular trichomes in Cannabis sativa L. was examined by transmission electron microscopy. The secretory cavity originated at the wall-cuticle interface in the peripheral wall of the discoid secretory cells. During the presecretory phase in development of the glandular trichome, the peripheral wall of the disc cells became laminated into a dense inner zone adjacent to the plasma membrane and a less dense outer zone subjacent to the cuticle. Loosening of wall matrix in the outer zone initiated a secretory cavity among fibrous wall materials. Membrane-bound hyaline areas, compressed in shape, arose in the wall matrix. They appeared first in the outer and subsequently in the inner zone of the wall. The membrane of the vesicles, and associated dense particles attached to the membrane, arose from the wall matrix. Hyaline areas, often with a conspicuous electron-dense content, were released into the secretory cavity where they formed rounded secretory vesicles. Fibrous wall material released from the surface of the disc cells became distributed throughout the secretory cavity among the numerous secretory vesicles. This wall material was incorporated into the developing subcuticular wall that increased five-fold in thickness during enlargement of the secretory cavity. The presence of a subcuticular wall in the cavity of Cannabis trichomes, as contrasted to the absence of this wall in described trichomes of other plants, supports a polyphyletic interpretation of the evolution of the secretory cavity in glandular trichomes among angiosperms.     

Developmental Ultrastructure of Glandular Trichomes of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rosmarinus officinalis</Emphasis>: Secretory Cavity and Secretory Vesicle Formation

Glandular trichomes in the leaf lamina of Rosmarinus officinalis L. were examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The leaves were characterized by an abundance of two types of glandular trichomes—small capitate and large peltate glandular trichomes. In addition to the glandular trichomes, numerous non-glandular trichomes were present on the abaxial surface of the leaf. These trichomes mainly predominated on the midrib, whereas glandular trichomes occurred on non-vein areas. At the initial phase of secretory cavity formation, hyaline areas were abundant in periclinal walls of head cells, while they were not observed in the anticlinal walls. The hyaline areas gradually increased in size, fusing with other areas throughout the wall. Loose wall material adjacent to hyaline areas was released from the head cell walls and migrated into the secretory cavities. As the secretory cavities continued to enlarge, the new vesicles emerging into the secretory cavities from the walls of head cells became surrounded with the surface of a typical membrane. They developed a round shape, but the contours of the vesicle surfaces appeared polygonal when tightly packed inside a cavity. These vesicles varied in size; small vesicles often possessed electron-dense contents, while large vesicles contained electron-light contents.     

线纹香茶菜叶上腺毛发育的细胞学研究

为进行中药溪黄草基原植物的品种鉴定,采用光镜和电镜对线纹香茶菜(原变种)[Isodon lophanthoides var.lophanthoides]叶上腺毛的发育进行细胞学研究。结果表明,线纹香茶菜具有头状腺毛和盾状腺毛2种类型。头状腺毛无色透明,由1个基细胞、1个柄细胞和1或2个头部分泌细胞构成;盾状腺毛为红色,由1或2个基细胞、1个柄细胞和4~8个分泌细胞构成头部。2种腺毛均由原表皮细胞经两次平周分裂形成,后因柄细胞和头部细胞所处的分化状态不同而形成两类腺毛。2种腺毛超微结构表明,质体、高尔基体和粗面内质网为主要分泌物产生和运输的细胞器。当盾状腺毛成熟时,角质层下间隙充满了分泌物,其分泌物的性质很可能决定了线纹香茶菜腺毛的颜色。     

Immunochemical localization of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in cryofixed glandular trichomes of Cannabis (Cannabaceae)

Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) localization in glandular trichomes and bracteal tissues of Cannabis, prepared by high pressure cryofixation-cryosubstitution, was examined with a monoclonal antibody-colloidal gold probe by electron microscopy (EM). The antibody detected THC in the outer wall of disc cells during the presecretory cavity phase of gland development. Upon formation of the secretory cavity, the immunolabel detected THC in the disc cell wall facing the cavity as well as the subcuticular wall and cuticle throughout development of the secretory cavity. THC was detected in the fibrillar matrix associated with the disc cell and with this matrix in the secretory cavity. The antibody identified THC on the surface of secretory vesicles, but not in the secretory vesicles. Gold label also was localized in the anticlinal walls between adjacent disc cells and in the wall of dermal and mesophyll cells of the bract. Grains were absent or detected only occasionally in the cytoplasm of disc or other cells of the bract. No THC was detected in controls. These results indicate THC to be a natural product secreted particularly from disc cells and accumulated in the cell wall, the fibrillar matrix and surface feature of vesicles in the secretory cavity, the subcuticular wall, and the cuticle of glandular trichomes. THC, among other chemicals, accumulated in the cuticle may serve as a plant recognition signal to other organisms in the environment.     

Limonene Synthase, the Enzyme Responsible for Monoterpene Biosynthesis in Peppermint, Is Localized to Leucoplasts of Oil Gland Secretory Cells

Circumstantial evidence based on ultrastructural correlation, specific labeling, and subcellular fractionation studies indicates that at least the early steps of monoterpene biosynthesis occur in plastids. (4S)-Limonene synthase, which is responsible for the first dedicated step of monoterpene biosynthesis in mint species, appears to be translated as a preprotein bearing a long plastidial transit peptide. Immunogold labeling using polyclonal antibodies raised to the native enzyme demonstrated the specific localization of limonene synthase to the leucoplasts of peppermint (Mentha × piperita) oil gland secretory cells during the period of essential oil production. Labeling was shown to be absent from all other plastid types examined, including the basal and stalk cell plastids of the secretory phase glandular trichomes. Furthermore, in vitro translation of the preprotein and import experiments with isolated pea chloroplasts were consistent in demonstrating import of the nascent protein to the plastid stroma and proteolytic processing to the mature enzyme at this site. These experiments confirm that the leucoplastidome of the oil gland secretory cells is the exclusive location of limonene synthase, and almost certainly the preceding steps of monoterpene biosynthesis, in peppermint leaves. However, succeeding steps of monoterpene metabolism in mint appear to occur outside the leucoplasts of oil gland cells.     

Localization of enzymes of artemisinin biosynthesis to the apical cells of glandular secretory trichomes of Artemisia annua L.

A method based on the laser microdissection pressure catapulting technique has been developed for isolation of whole intact cells. Using a modified tissue preparation method, one outer pair of apical cells and two pairs of sub-apical, chloroplast-containing cells, were isolated from glandular secretory trichomes of Artemisia annua. A. annua is the source of the widely used antimalarial drug artemisinin. The biosynthesis of artemisinin has been proposed to be located to the glandular trichomes. The first committed steps in the conversion of FPP to artemisinin are conducted by amorpha-4,11-diene synthase, amorpha-4,11-diene hydroxylase, a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (CYP71AV1) and artemisinic aldehyde Δ11(13) reductase. The expression of the three biosynthetic enzymes in the different cell types has been studied. In addition, the expression of farnesyldiphosphate synthase producing the precursor of artemisinin has been investigated. Our experiments showed expression of farnesyldiphosphate synthase in apical and sub-apical cells as well as in mesophyl cells while the three enzymes involved in artemisinin biosynthesis were expressed only in the apical cells. Elongation factor 1α was used as control and it was expressed in all cell types. We conclude that artemisinin biosynthesis is taking place in the two outer apical cells while the two pairs of chloroplast-containing cells have other functions in the overall metabolism of glandular trichomes.     

木香薷腺毛形态结构发生发育规律的研究

采用常规石蜡切片法及扫描电镜技术对木香薷(Elsholtzia stauntoni Benth)腺毛发生发育及其规律进行了研究。结果表明：木香薷表皮上主要有两种表皮毛：无分泌细胞的表皮毛与有分泌细胞的腺毛。前者包括单细胞乳头状毛、2~3细胞管状毛、分枝状毛及多细胞管状毛;后者包括头状腺毛与盾状腺毛。成熟头状腺毛头部由1、2或4个分泌细胞构成,头部呈圆球形或半圆球形;成熟盾状腺毛头部由8~12个分泌细胞构成,分泌细胞横向扩展形成盾状头部。木香薷腺毛主要在茎端幼叶处大量发生,从茎端第一对幼叶处开始产生;从幼叶期到成熟期均有腺毛发生,大部分腺毛在幼叶期发生发育,只有极少部分在叶的成熟期进行发生发育。     

Development of peltate glandular trichomes of peppermint

Cryofixation and conventional chemical fixation methods were employed to examine the ultrastructure of developing peltate glandular trichomes of peppermint (Mentha x piperita). Our results are discussed in relation to monoterpene production and the mechanism of essential oil secretion. Peltate glands arise as epidermal protuberances (initials) that divide asymmetrically to produce a vacuolate basal cell, a stalk cell, and a cytoplasmically dense apical cell. Further divisions of the apical cell produce a peltate trichome with one basal cell, one stalk cell, and eight glandular (secretory) disc cells. Presecretory gland cells resemble meristematic cells because they contain proplastids, small vacuoles, and large nuclei. The secretory phase coincides with the separation and filling of the sub-cuticular oil storage space, the maturation of glandular disc cell leucoplasts in which monoterpene biosynthesis is known to be initiated, and the formation of extensive smooth endoplasmic reticulum at which hydroxylation steps of the monoterpene biosynthetic pathway occur. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum of the secretory cells appears to form associations with both the leucoplasts and the plasma membrane bordering the sub-cuticular oil storage cavity, often contains densely staining material, and may be involved with the transport of the monoterpene-rich secretion product. Associated changes in the ultrastructure of the secretory stage stalk cell are also described, as is the ultrastructure of the fragile post-secretory gland for which cryofixation methods are particularly well suited for the preservation of organizational integrity.     

Secretory Structures and Their Relationship to Accumulation of Camptothecin in Camptotheca acuminata （Nyssaceae）

Camptotheca acuminata Decne. (Nyssaceae) is a major source of the anticancer camptothecin (CPT). It is important to understand how CPT accumulates in C.acuminata in order to improve CPT production strategies. The aim of this study was to anatomically and morphologically characterize the secretory structure in leaves and stems of C.acuminata and determine their relationship to accumulation of OPT. Secretory canals and glandular trichomes were found in young stems and young leaves. Secretory canals consisted of a sub-epidermal canal delimited by one to two layers of cells. Glandular trichomes were unicellular. Fluorescence microscopy and OPT analysis showed that OPT was primarily accumulated in secretory canals and glandular trichomes of leaves and stems.     

喜树的分泌结构及其与喜树碱积累的关系

为了揭示喜树碱(camptothecin,CPT)在喜树(Camptotheca acuminata Decne.)中的积累部位及积累规律,运用组织化学技术和高效液相色谱技术对喜树茎、叶中喜树碱的积累部位和含量进行了相关性分析.结果发现两类分泌结构与喜树碱积累密切相关:一类是分布于幼茎和幼叶表面的单细胞腺毛;另一类是分布于喜树幼茎和幼叶中的由1～2层细胞包围而成的分泌道.由此推断,喜树中的分泌结构为喜树碱的主要积累部位.     

喜树的分泌结构及其与喜树碱积累的关系(英文)

为了揭示喜树碱(camptothecin,CPT)在喜树(Camptotheca acuminata Decne.)中的积累部位及积累规律,运用组织化学技术和高效液相色谱技术对喜树茎、叶中喜树碱的积累部位和含量进行了相关性分析。结果发现两类分泌结构与喜树碱积累密切相关:一类是分布于幼茎和幼叶表面的单细胞腺毛;另一类是分布于喜树幼茎和幼叶中的由1～2层细胞包围而成的分泌道。由此推断,喜树中的分泌结构为喜树碱的主要积累部位。     

Glandular trichomes of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tussilago Farfara</Emphasis> (Senecioneae,Asteraceae)

Main conclusion

The glandular trichomes are developed on the aerial organs of Tussilago farfara ; they produce phenols and terpenoids. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum and leucoplasts are the main organelles of the trichome secretory cells. The aim of this study was to characterise the morphology, anatomy, histochemistry and ultrastructure of the trichomes in Tussilago farfara as well as to identify composition of the secretory products. Structure of trichomes located on the peduncles, bracts, phyllaries, and leaves were studied by light and electron microscopy. The capitate glandular trichomes consist of a multicellular head and a biseriate long stalk. Histochemical tests and fluorescence microscopy reveal phenols and terpenoids in the head cells. During secretory stage, the head cells contain smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, diversiform leucoplasts with opaque contents in lamellae, chloroplasts, mitochondria, and microbodies. In the capitate glandular trichomes of T. farfara subcuticular cavity is absent, unlike glandular trichomes in other Asteraceae species. For the first time, content of metabolites in the different vegetative and reproductive organs as well as in the isolated capitate glandular trichomes was identified by GC–MS. Forty-five compounds, including organic acids, sugars, polyols, phenolics, and terpenoids were identified. It appeared that metabolite content in the methanol extracts from peduncles, bracts and phyllaries is biochemically analogous, and similar to the metabolites from leaves, in which photosynthesis happens. At the same time, the metabolites from trichome extracts essentially differ and refer to the above-mentioned secondary substances. The study has shown that the practical value of the aerial organs of coltsfoot is provided with flavonoids produced in the capitate glandular trichomes.

     

Isolation of secretory cells from plant glandular trichomes and their use in biosynthetic studies of monoterpenes and other gland products.

The natural products that accumulate in or exude from plant glandular trichomes are biosynthesized by secretory cells located at the apex of the trichome. To investigate the formation of glandular trichome constituents in several species of mints (Lamiaceae), a new procedure was developed for isolating large numbers of highly purified secretory cells. In this method, the leaf surface is gently abraded with glass beads in a way that fragments the glandular trichomes and yields clusters of intact secretory cells. The isolated, intact secretory cells and cell-free preparations derived from them are very active in monoterpene biosynthesis and provide useful starting materials for the purification of several key enzymes of monoterpene metabolism. The procedure described is adaptable to a broad range of plant species and should find wide application in the preparation of whole cell and cell-free systems for biosynthetic studies of plant natural products found in glandular trichomes.     

龙葵腺毛发育的细胞学研究

利用光学显微镜、扫描电镜和透射电镜技术,观察了龙葵“四叶一心”期时叶片及茎表皮的腺毛的种类、分布,探究了不同类型腺毛的起源、生长、成熟、分泌、衰老等发育过程的细胞学特征;通过组织化学染色和荧光显微技术,观察了龙葵腺毛成分、分布,为龙葵的进一步开发利用提供参考。结果表明：（1）龙葵腺毛分为单细胞头腺毛和多细胞头腺毛两类,前者主要分布于茎表面和叶上下表皮,后者主要分布于茎表面的单细胞头腺毛之间、叶脉及叶边缘;（2）龙葵腺毛发育起始于表皮细胞突起,单细胞头腺毛行顶端生长,具1-4个柄细胞,四种类型;多细胞头腺毛可再分为一层、两层与三层多细胞头腺毛,另具三种特殊类型;（3）龙葵成熟腺毛具分泌能力,通过皮下空间的物质积累导致腺毛头细胞表面形成突起、包块、破口,最终释放分泌物;而头细胞与柄细胞随即皱缩、衰老。（4）超微结构显示,腺毛头细胞中内质网与高尔基体极为丰富,合成代谢及分泌活动活跃,产生大量包裹嗜锇物质的囊泡,囊泡与细胞壁融合,进而将嗜锇物质转移至细胞壁并积累,随后储存在角质层下的皮下空间直至分泌释放;（5）组织化学染色结果表明,腺毛含有萜类、生物碱、脂类、蛋白质、酚类和多糖。头细胞中主要含有萜类、生物碱、脂类、蛋白质、酚类和中性多糖;柄细胞中主要含有萜类、生物碱、脂类。     

Purification of 4S-limonene synthase, a monoterpene cyclase from the glandular trichomes of peppermint (Mentha x piperita) and spearmint (Mentha spicata).

The p-menthane monoterpenes of the Mentha species are biosynthesized from geranyl pyrophosphate via the monocyclic olefin 4S-limonene. A monoterpene cyclase was isolated from both Mentha x piperita (peppermint) and Mentha spicata (spearmint) that catalyzes the cyclization of geranyl pyrophosphate to 4S-limonene. This enzyme, 4S-limonene synthase, was purified to apparent homogeneity by dye ligand, anion exchange, and hydrophobic interaction chromatography. Since the monoterpenes of Mentha are synthesized and secreted in modified epidermal hairs called glandular trichomes, an extract of isolated glandular trichome cells was used as the source of this enzyme. A combination of gel permeation chromatography and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that purified 4S-limonene synthase had a native molecular weight of 56,000 and was monomeric. The principal product of the enzyme was enantiomerically pure (-)-4S-limonene, and a catalytic constant of 0.3/s was determined. The basic properties of 4S-limonene synthase from both M. x piperita and M. spicata are identical and, in general, are similar to those of other monoterpene, sesquiterpene, and diterpene cyclases isolated from microorganisms and higher plants.     

Development,structure, and occurrence of secretory trichomes ofPharbitis

Summary Secretory trichomes develop from epidermal cells on the leaf primordia and stem ofPharbitis nil. Following an initial growth phase, trichomes begin active secretion of a protein-carbohydrate mucilage. This mucilage covers the shoot apex and developing leaves ofPharbitis.The secretory cells possess cellular organelles in forms usually associated with actively secreting cells: many mitochondria, an elaborate network of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), many free ribosomes, and numerous dictyosomes. The role of the dictyosomes is twofold: 1. dictyosome vesicles bud coated vesicles which transport materials from the cell and, 2. dictyosome vesicles coalesce, forming large storage vesicles. The storage vesicles are surrounded by, and often in contact with, poculiform RER. The RER forms an interconnected network throughout the cytoplasm, extending from the nuclear envelope to the plasmalemma. Distended profiles of RER are frequently in direct contact with the plasmalemma. Thus, inPharbitis secretory trichomes, it is the coated vesicles and RER which are active in secretion export. These findings imply a secretory pathway which deviates from the usual pattern in glandular cells.Predoctoral fellow of National Science Foundation during part of the investigation.