Sesquiterpene Synthases of Zanthoxylum ailanthoides: Sources of Unique Aromas of a Folklore Plant in Taiwan
Journal
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
Journal Volume
69
Journal Issue
42
Pages
12494-12504
Date Issued
2021
Author(s)
Abstract
Zanthoxylum ailanthoides is a traditional spice crop in Taiwan with unique smells and tastes that differ between prickly (young) and nonprickly (mature) leaves. Different volatile terpenes between prickly young and nonprickly mature leaves were identified and considered to be one of the sources of their aromas. A transcriptome database was established to explore the biosynthesis of these compounds, and candidate terpene synthase genes were identified. The functions of these synthases were investigated using recombinant protein reactions in both purification and coexpression assays. ZaTPS1, ZaTPS2, and ZaTPS3 are germacrene D synthases, with different amino acid sequences. The main products of ZaTPS4 are trans-α-bergamotene and (E)-β-farnesene, whereas ZaTPS5 forms multiple products, and ZaTPS6 produces β-caryophyllene. ZaTPS7 forms monoterpene (E)-β-ocimene and sesquiterpene (E,E)-α-farnesene. Reverse transcription PCR of ZaTPS gene expression in young and mature leaves revealed that ZaTPS1 was responsible for the mellow aroma in mature leaves. The expression of ZaTPS6 suggested that it plays a role in the background aromas of both types of leaves. Our findings deepened the understanding of the volatile compounds of Z. ailanthoides and revealed the source of its unique aromas by clarifying the biosynthesis of these compounds. ? 2021 American Chemical Society.
Subjects
biosynthesis
terpene synthase
traditional spice crop
vegetative phase
volatile organic compounds
Biochemistry
Biosynthesis
Crops
Essential oils
Monoterpenes
Odors
Plants (botany)
Recombinant proteins
Transcription
'spice'
Farnesene
Mature leaves
Sesquiterpene synthase
Synthase gene
Synthases
Terpene synthase
Traditional spice crop
Transcriptomes
Vegetative phase
Volatile organic compounds
fragrance
plant protein
sesquiterpene
terpene
transferase
volatile organic compound
folklore
genetics
Taiwan
Zanthoxylum
Alkyl and Aryl Transferases
Folklore
Odorants
Plant Proteins
Sesquiterpenes
Terpenes
Volatile Organic Compounds
Type
journal article