Biosynthesis of germacrene A carboxylic acid in chicory roots. Demonstration of a cytochrome P450 (+)-germacrene a hydroxylase and NADP+-dependent sesquiterpenoid dehydrogenase(s) involved in sesquiterpene lactone biosynthesis

Sprouts of chicory (Cichorium intybus), a vegetable grown in the dark, have a slightly bitter taste associated with the presence of guaianolides, eudesmanolides, and germacranolides. The committed step in the biosynthesis of these compounds is catalyzed by a (+)-germacrene A synthase. Formation of the lactone ring is the postulated next step in biosynthesis of the germacrene-derived sesquiterpene lactones. The present study confirms this hypothesis by isolation of enzyme activities from chicory roots that introduce a carboxylic acid function in the germacrene A isopropenyl side chain, which is necessary for lactone ring formation. (+)-germacrene A is hydroxylated to germacra-1(10),4,11(13)-trien-12-ol by a cytochrome P450 enzyme, and is subsequently oxidized to germacra-1(10),4,11(13)-trien-12-oic acid by NADP+-dependent dehydrogenase(s). Both oxidized germacrenes were detected as their Cope-rearrangement products elema-1,3,11(13)-trien-12-ol and elema-1,3,11(13)-trien-12-oic acid, respectively. The cyclization products of germacra-1(10),4,11(13)-trien-12-ol, i.e. costol, were also observed. The (+)-germacrene A hydroxylase is inhibited by carbon monoxide (blue-light reversible), has an optimum pH at 8.0, and hydroxylates beta-elemene with a modest degree of enantioselectivity.     

A chicory cytochrome P450 mono-oxygenase CYP71AV8 for the oxidation of (+)-valencene

Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), which is known to have a variety of terpene-hydroxylating activities, was screened for a P450 mono-oxygenase to convert (+)-valencene to (+)-nootkatone. A novel P450 cDNA was identified in a chicory root EST library. Co-expression of the enzyme with a valencene synthase in yeast, led to formation of trans-nootkatol, cis-nootkatol and (+)-nootkatone. The novel enzyme was also found to catalyse a three step conversion of germacrene A to germacra-1(10),4,11(13)-trien-12-oic acid, indicating its involvement in chicory sesquiterpene lactone biosynthesis. Likewise, amorpha-4,11-diene was converted to artemisinic acid. Surprisingly, the chicory P450 has a different regio-specificity on (+)-valencene compared to germacrene A and amorpha-4,11-diene.     

Isolation and characterization of two germacrene A synthase cDNA clones from chicory

Chicory (Cichorium intybus) sesquiterpene lactones were recently shown to be derived from a common sesquiterpene intermediate, (+)-germacrene A. Germacrene A is of interest because of its key role in sesquiterpene lactone biosynthesis and because it is an enzyme-bound intermediate in the biosynthesis of a number of phytoalexins. Using polymerase chain reaction with degenerate primers, we have isolated two sesquiterpene synthases from chicory that exhibited 72% amino acid identity. Heterologous expression of the genes in Escherichia coli has shown that they both catalyze exclusively the formation of (+)-germacrene A, making this the first report, to our knowledge, on the isolation of (+)-germacrene A synthase (GAS)-encoding genes. Northern analysis demonstrated that both genes were expressed in all chicory tissues tested albeit at varying levels. Protein isolation and partial purification from chicory heads demonstrated the presence of two GAS proteins. On MonoQ, these proteins co-eluted with the two heterologously produced proteins. The K(m) value, pH optimum, and MonoQ elution volume of one of the proteins produced in E. coli were similar to the values reported for the GAS protein that was recently purified from chicory roots. Finally, the two deduced amino acid sequences were modeled, and the resulting protein models were compared with the crystal structure of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) 5-epi-aristolochene synthase, which forms germacrene A as an enzyme-bound intermediate en route to 5-epi-aristolochene. The possible involvement of a number of amino acids in sesquiterpene synthase product specificity is discussed.     

(+)-(10R)-Germacrene A synthase from goldenrod,Solidago canadensis; cDNA isolation,bacterial expression and functional analysis

Profiling of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons in extracts of goldenrod, Solidago canadensis, by GC-MS revealed the presence of both enantiomers of germacrene D and lesser amounts of germacrene A, alpha-humulene, and beta-caryophyllene. A similarity-based cloning strategy using degenerate oligonucleotide primers, based on conserved amino acid sequences in known plant sesquiterpene synthases and RT-PCR, resulted in the isolation of a full length sesquiterpene synthase cDNA. Functional expression of the cDNA in E. coli, as an N-terminal thioredoxin fusion protein using the pET32b vector yielded an enzyme that was readily purified by nickel-chelate affinity chromatography. Chiral GC-MS analysis of products from of (3)H- and (2)H-labelled farnesyl diphosphate identified the enzyme as (+)-(10R)-germacrene A synthase. Sequence analysis and molecular modelling was used to compare this enzyme with the mechanistically related epi-aristolochene synthase from tobacco.     

Cloning, expression, purification and characterization of recombinant (+)-germacrene D synthase from Zingiber officinale

A cDNA clone encoding a sesquiterpene synthase, (+)-germacrene D synthase, has been isolated from ginger (Zingiber officinale). The full-length cDNA (AY860846) contains a 1650-bp open reading frame coding for 550 amino acids (63.8kDa) with a theoretical pI=5.59. The deduced amino acid sequence is 30-46% identical with sequences of other sesquiterpene synthases from angiosperms. The recombinant enzyme, produced in Escherichia coli, catalyzed the formation of a major product, (+)-germacrene D (50.2% of total sesquiterpenoids produced) and a co-product, germacrene B (17.1%) and a number of minor by-products. The optimal pH for the recombinant enzyme is around 7.5. Substantial (+)-germacrene D synthase activity is observed in the presence of Mg2+, Mn2+, Ni2+ or Co2+, while the enzyme is inactive when Cu2+ or Zn2+ is used. The Km- and kcat-values are 0.88 microM and 3.34 x 10(-3) s(-1), respectively. A reaction mechanism involving a double 1,2-hydride shift has been established using deuterium labeled substrates in combination with GC-MS analysis.     

Enantiospecific (+)- and (-)-germacrene D synthases, cloned from goldenrod, reveal a functionally active variant of the universal isoprenoid-biosynthesis aspartate-rich motif

The naturally occurring, volatile sesquiterpene hydrocarbon germacrene D has strong effects on insect behaviour and genes encoding enzymes that produce this compound are of interest in the study of plant-insect interactions and in a number of biotechnological approaches to pest control. Goldenrod, Solidago canadensis, is unusual in that it produces both enantiomers of germacrene D. Two new sesquiterpene synthase cDNAs, designated Sc11 and Sc19, have been isolated from goldenrod and functional expression in Escherichia coli identified Sc11 as (+)-germacrene D synthase and Sc19 as (-)-germacrene D synthase. Thus, the enantiomers of germacrene D are the products of separate, but closely related (85% amino-acid identity), enzymes. Unlike other sesquiterpene synthases and the related monoterpene synthases and prenyl transferases, which contain the characteristic amino-acid motif DDXX(D,E), Sc11 is unusual in that this motif occurs as (303)NDTYD. Mutagenesis of this motif to (303)DDTYD gave rise to an enzyme that fully retained (+)-germacrene D synthase activity. The converse mutation in Sc19 (D303N) resulted in a less efficient but functional enzyme. Mutagenesis of position 303 to glutamate in both enzymes resulted in loss of activity. These results indicate that the magnesium ion-binding role of the first aspartate in the DDXXD motif may not be as critical as previously thought. Further amino-acid sequence comparisons and molecular modelling of the enzyme structures revealed that very subtle changes to the active site of this family of enzymes are required to alter the reaction pathway to form, in this case, different enantiomers from the same enzyme-bound carbocationic intermediate.     

A single mutation in P450BM-3 enhances acyl homoserine lactone: acyl homoserine substrate binding selectivity nearly 250-fold

Quorum sensing is the process by which bacteria alter gene regulation in response to their population density. The enzymatic inactivation of quorum signals has shown promise for use in genetically modified organisms resistant to pathogens. We recently characterized the ability of a cytochrome P450, P450BM-3, to oxidize the quorum sensing signals known as acyl homoserine lactones. The oxidation of the acyl homoserine lactones reduced their activity as quorum signals. The enzyme also oxidized the inactive lactonolysis products, acyl homoserines. The enzyme showed similar binding affinity for the acyl homoserine lactones and acyl homoserines. The latter reaction may lead to problems when lactonases and the P450-dependent system are used in tandem, as oxidation of the acyl homoserines produced by lactonolysis in vivo may compete with acyl homoserine lactone oxidation by the cytochrome P450. We report here that a single mutation (R47S) in P450BM-3 is capable of increasing the acyl homoserine lactone: acyl homoserine substrate binding selectivity of the enzyme nearly 250-fold, reducing the potential for competition by acyl homoserines and significantly enhancing the potential for use of P450BM-3 as part of a pathogen resistance system in genetically modified crops.     

Formation of benzoquinol moiety in cornoside by salidroside mono-oxygenase,a cytochrome P450 enzyme,from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Abeliophyllum distichum </Emphasis>cell suspension cultures

A microsomal fraction prepared from Abeliophyllum distichumNakai (Oleaceae) cell suspension cultures oxidized salidroside, a glucoside of 4-hydroxyphenylethyl alcohol, to cornoside possessing a unique benzoquinol ring. The enzyme named salidroside mono-oxygenase required NADPH as the only cofactor, and molecular oxygen. The reaction was strongly inhibited by CO as well as several cytochrome P450 inhibitors, such as cytochrome c and miconazole, indicating the involvement of a cytochrome P450 enzyme. Salidroside mono-oxygenase accepted salidroside as the only substrate, but did not oxidize 4-hydroxyphenylethyl alcohol, the salidroside aglucone, and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. The optimum pH of the reaction was 7.5, and apparent K(m) values for salidroside and NADPH were 44 micro M and 33 micro M, respectively. The benzoquinol ring formation mechanism is discussed in comparison to the mechanism for ipso substitution of 4-hydroxybenzoate by active oxygen species followed by elimination leading to hydroquinone.     

Microsomal lipid peroxidation: the role of NADPH--cytochrome P450 reductase and cytochrome P450

The role of NADPH--cytochrome P450 reductase and cytochrome P450 in NADPH- and ADP--Fe3(+)-dependent lipid peroxidation was investigated by using the purified enzymes and liposomes prepared from either total rat-liver phospholipids or a mixture of bovine phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PC/PE liposomes). The results suggest that NADPH- and ADP--Fe3(+)-dependent lipid peroxidation involves both NADPH--cytochrome P450 reductase and cytochrome P450. Just as in the case of cytochrome P450-linked monooxygenations, the role of these enzymes in lipid peroxidation may be to provide two electrons for O2 reduction. The first electron is used for reduction of ADP--Fe3+ and subsequent addition of O2 to the perferryl radical (ADP--Fe3(+)-O2-), which then extracts an H atom from a polyunsaturated lipid (LH) giving rise to a free radical (LH.) that reacts with O2 yielding a peroxide free radical (LOO.). The second electron is then used to reduce LOO. to the lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH). In the latter capacity, reduced cytochrome P450 can be replaced by EDTA--Fe2+ or by the superoxide radical as generated through redox cycling of a quinone such as menadione.     

Functional characterization of premnaspirodiene oxygenase, a cytochrome P450 catalyzing regio- and stereo-specific hydroxylations of diverse sesquiterpene substrates

Solavetivone, a potent antifungal phytoalexin, is derived from a vetispirane-type sesquiterpene, premnaspirodiene, by a putative regio- and stereo-specific hydroxylation, followed by a second oxidation to yield the alpha,beta-unsaturated ketone. Mechanistically, these reactions could occur via a single, multifunctional cytochrome P450 or some combination of cytochrome P450s and a dehydrogenase. We report here the characterization of a single cytochrome P450 enzyme, Hyoscyamus muticus premnaspirodiene oxygenase (HPO), that catalyzes these successive reactions at carbon 2 (C-2) of the spirane substrate. HPO also catalyzes the equivalent regio-specific (C-2) hydroxylation of several eremophilane-type (decalin ring system) sesquiterpenes, such as with 5-epi-aristolochene. Moreover, HPO displays interesting comparisons to other sesquiterpene hydroxylases. 5-Epi-aristolochene di-hydroxylase (EAH) differs catalytically from HPO by introducing hydroxyl groups first at C-1, then C-3 of 5-epi-aristolochene. HPO and EAH also differ from one another by 91-amino acid differences, with four of these differences mapping to putative substrate recognition regions 5 and 6. These four positions were mutagenized alone and in various combinations in both HPO and EAH and the mutant enzymes were characterized for changes in substrate selectivity, reaction product specificity, and kinetic properties. These mutations did not alter the regio- or stereo-specificity of either HPO or EAH, but specific combinations of the mutations did improve the catalytic efficiencies 10-15-fold. Molecular models and comparisons between HPO and EAH provide insights into the catalytic properties of these enzymes of specialized metabolism in plants.     

Secologanin synthase which catalyzes the oxidative cleavage of loganin into secologanin is a cytochrome P450

Secologanin synthase, an enzyme catalyzing the oxidative cleavage of the cyclopentane ring in loganin to form secologanin, was detected in microsomal preparations from cell suspension cultures of Lonicera japonica. The reaction required NADPH and molecular oxygen, and was blocked by carbon monoxide as well as by several other cytochrome P450 inhibitors, indicating that the reaction was mediated by cytochrome P450. Of the substrates examined, only specificity for loganin was demonstrated. A possible reaction mechanism is described.     

Diversity of sesquiterpene synthases in the basidiomycete Coprinus cinereus

Fungi are a rich source of bioactive secondary metabolites, and mushroom-forming fungi ( Agaricomycetes ) are especially known for the synthesis of numerous bioactive and often cytotoxic sesquiterpenoid secondary metabolites. Compared with the large number of sesquiterpene synthases identified in plants, less than a handful of unique sesquiterpene synthases have been described from fungi. Here we describe the functional characterization of six sesquiterpene synthases (Cop1 to Cop6) and two terpene-oxidizing cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (Cox1 and Cox2) from Coprinus cinereus. The genes were cloned and, except for cop5 , functionally expressed in Escherichia coli and/or Saccharomyces cerevisiae . Cop1 and Cop2 each synthesize germacrene A as the major product. Cop3 was identified as an α-muurolene synthase, an enzyme that has not been described previously, while Cop4 synthesizes δ-cadinene as its major product. Cop6 was originally annotated as a trichodiene synthase homologue but instead was found to catalyse the highly specific synthesis of α-cuprenene. Coexpression of cop6 and the two monooxygenase genes next to it yields oxygenated α-cuprenene derivatives, including cuparophenol, suggesting that these genes encode the enzymes for the biosynthesis of antimicrobial quinone sesquiterpenoids (known as lagopodins) that were previously isolated from C. cinereus and other Coprinus species.     

Characterization of a novel laccase produced by the wood-rotting fungus Phellinus ribis

(+)-Menthofuran is an undesirable monoterpenoid component of peppermint (Mentha x piperita) essential oil that is derived from the alpha,beta-unsaturated ketone (+)-pulegone. Microsomal preparations, from the oil gland secretory cells of a high (+)-menthofuran-producing chemotype of Mentha pulegium, transform (+)-pulegone to (+)-menthofuran in the presence of NADPH and molecular oxygen, implying that menthofuran is synthesized by a mechanism analogous to that of mammalian liver cytochrome P450s involving the hydroxylation of the syn-methyl group of (+)-pulegone, spontaneous intramolecular cyclization to the hemiketal, and dehydration to the furan. An abundant cytochrome P450 clone from a peppermint oil gland cell cDNA library was functionally expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Escherichia coli and shown to encode the (+)-menthofuran synthase (i.e., (+)-pulegone-9-hydroxylase). The full-length cDNA contains 1479 nucleotides, and encodes a protein of 493 amino acid residues of molecular weight 55,360, which bears all of the anticipated primary structural elements of a cytochrome P450 and most closely resembles (35% identity) a cytochrome P450 monoterpene hydroxylase, (+)-limonene-3-hydroxylase, from the same source. The availability of this gene permits transgenic manipulation of peppermint to improve the quality of the derived essential oil.     

Elicitor-induced biosynthesis of psoralens in Ammi majus L. suspension cultures. Microsomal conversion of demethylsuberosin into (+)marmesin and psoralen

Suspension cultures of Ammi majus L. cells produce various linear furanocoumarins in response to treatment with elicitor preparations from either Alternaria carthami Chowdhury or Phytophthora megasperma f.sp. glycinea. Microsomes which were isolated from these cells 14 h after addition of the elicitor efficiently catalyzed the conversion of demethyl [3-14C]suberosin into labelled (+)marmesin in the presence of NADPH and oxygen. In contrast to the chemical cyclization of demethylsuberosin by m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid, the reaction catalyzed by the marmesin synthase proceeded rapidly and no intermediate demethylsuberosin epoxide could be recovered. Significant blue-light-reversible inhibition by carbon monoxide and inhibition by various chemicals known to inhibit reactions dependent on cytochrome P450 suggested that the marmesin synthase is a cytochrome-P450-dependent monooxygenase. Upon prolonged incubation, a subsequent major labelled product originated from (+)marmesin, which was identified as psoralen. The psoralen synthase was also characterized as a cytochrome-P450-dependent monooxygenase. Both the marmesin synthase and the psoralen synthase, as well as enzymes catalyzing the formation of demethylsuberosin and O-prenylumbelliferone from umbelliferone and dimethylallyl diphosphate, were associated with the endoplasmic reticulum in Ammi majus cells and their activities were concomitantly induced by elicitor treatment of the cells. We propose that in vivo these enzymes are active in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum from where the furanocoumarin phytoalexins are excreted into the cell culture fluid.     

Branchpoint for heme alkylation and metabolite formation in the oxidation of arylacetylenes by cytochrome P-450

Phenylacetylene and biphenylacetylene are oxidized by cytochrome P-450 to the corresponding arylacetic acids. The acetylenic hydrogen shifts to the adjacent carbon and one atom of molecular oxygen is incorporated into the carboxylic acid group in these transformations, which are subject to a large kinetic isotope effect when the acetylenic hydrogen is replaced by deuterium. The same products and isotope effects are observed when the two arylacetylenes are oxidized by m-chloroperbenzoic acid rather than by the enzyme. In contrast, the inactivation of cytochrome P-450 that occurs during the oxidation of phenylacetylene is insensitive to deuterium substitution. The partition ratio between metabolite formation and enzyme inactivation consequently changes from 26 to 15 in going from phenylacetylene to the deuterated analogue. Metabolite formation therefore diverges from heme alkylation very early in the catalytic process.     

Biochemical Conservation and Evolution of Germacrene A Oxidase in Asteraceae

Sesquiterpene lactones are characteristic natural products in Asteraceae, which constitutes ∼8% of all plant species. Despite their physiological and pharmaceutical importance, the biochemistry and evolution of sesquiterpene lactones remain unexplored. Here we show that germacrene A oxidase (GAO), evolutionarily conserved in all major subfamilies of Asteraceae, catalyzes three consecutive oxidations of germacrene A to yield germacrene A acid. Furthermore, it is also capable of oxidizing non-natural substrate amorphadiene. Co-expression of lettuce GAO with germacrene synthase in engineered yeast synthesized aberrant products, costic acids and ilicic acid, in an acidic condition. However, cultivation in a neutral condition allowed the de novo synthesis of a single novel compound that was identified as germacrene A acid by gas and liquid chromatography and NMR analyses. To trace the evolutionary lineage of GAO in Asteraceae, homologous genes were further isolated from the representative species of three major subfamilies of Asteraceae (sunflower, chicory, and costus from Asteroideae, Cichorioideae, and Carduoideae, respectively) and also from the phylogenetically basal species, Barnadesia spinosa, from Barnadesioideae. The recombinant GAOs from these genes clearly showed germacrene A oxidase activities, suggesting that GAO activity is widely conserved in Asteraceae including the basal lineage. All GAOs could catalyze the three-step oxidation of non-natural substrate amorphadiene to artemisinic acid, whereas amorphadiene oxidase diverged from GAO displayed negligible activity for germacrene A oxidation. The observed amorphadiene oxidase activity in GAOs suggests that the catalytic plasticity is embedded in ancestral GAO enzymes that may contribute to the chemical and catalytic diversity in nature.     

Oxidative hydrolysis of scoparone by cytochrome p450 CYP2C29 reveals a novel metabolite.

Regioselective 7-demethylation of scoparone is regularly employed as an indicator of phenobarbital-like induction of rat liver cytochrome P450 isoform CYP2B1, e.g., by the antiepileptic drug phenytoin. After induction with phenobarbital and phenytoin, a new reaction sequence catalyzed by Cyp2c29 was identified in mouse liver microsomes. Cyp2c29-dependent 6-demethylation of scoparone resulted in the formation of isoscopoletin, an intermediate which is susceptible to further oxidation. This subsequent oxidation was also catalyzed by Cyp2c29 with a K(m) of 30,31 microM and a V(max) of 3,41 microM/min x microM P450, and resulted in the formation of the new metabolite 3-[4-methoxy-p-(3,6)-benzoquinone]-2-propenoate. This novel metabolite is the product of two consecutive oxidation reactions, proceeding over isoscopoletin to a putative lactone which is accessible to immediate hydrolysis, due to the onium character of the ring oxygen. This opening of the lactone ring corresponds to an oxidative hydrolysis. Differential oxidation of scoparone can be used as a sensitive indicator for distinguishing between different cytochrome P450 isoforms.     

Valencene oxidase CYP706M1 from Alaska cedar (Callitropsis nootkatensis)

(+)-Nootkatone is a natural sesquiterpene ketone used in grapefruit and citrus flavour compositions. It occurs in small amounts in grapefruit and is a major component of Alaska cedar (Callitropsis nootkatensis) heartwood essential oil. Upon co-expression of candidate cytochrome P450 enzymes from Alaska cedar in yeast with a valencene synthase, a C. nootkatensis valencene oxidase (CnVO) was identified to produce trans-nootkatol and (+)-nootkatone. Formation of (+)-nootkatone was detected at 144 ± 10 μg/L yeast culture. CnVO belongs to a new subfamily of the CYP706 family of cytochrome P450 oxidases.