Phylogenetic analysis and functional characterization of norcoclaurine synthase involved in benzylisoquinoline alkaloids biosynthesis in Stephania tetrandra
Artikel i vetenskaplig tidskrift, 2023

Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs) are a class of secondary metabolites that possess diverse pharmaceutical properties and are exclusively accumulated in specific plant genera. The Pictet–Spengler condensation, catalyzed by norcoclaurine synthase (NCS), represents a key enzymatic reaction in the biosynthetic pathway of BIAs. While NCS genes have been identified in several plant families such as Papaveraceae, Berberidaceae, and Ranunculaceae, no NCS genes have been reported in Menispermaceae, which is another genus known to accumulate BIAs. Here, NCSs were isolated and functionally characterized from the Menispermaceae family plant Stephania tetrandra. In vitro enzyme assay identified two functional StNCSs which could catalyze the formation of (S)-norcoclaurine. These functionally characterized genes were then integrated into engineered yeast to enable the production of norcoclaurine. Phylogenetic analysis of the NCS enzymes revealed that the StNCSs predominantly clustered into two clades. The functional StNCSs clustered with known NCSs, highlighting the presence of a specific NCS catalytic domain. This study not only provides additional genetic components for the synthetic biology-based production of BIAs in yeast but also contributes to the understanding of the phylogenetic relationships and structure–function relationship of NCS genes involved in the origin and production of BIAs.

Menispermaceae

Pictet–Spengler condensation

phylogenetic analysis

benzylisoquinoline alkaloids

norcoclaurine synthase

Författare

Xinyi Li

China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences

Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Qishuang Li

China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences

China Pharmaceutical University

Xiang Jiao

Chalmers, Life sciences, Systembiologi

Hao Tang

Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences

Yatian Cheng

China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences

Ying Ma

China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences

Guanghong Cui

China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences

Jinfu Tang

China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences

Yun Chen

Chalmers, Life sciences, Systembiologi

Juan Guo

China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences

Luqi Huang

China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences

Journal of Cellular Physiology

0021-9541 (ISSN) 1097-4652 (eISSN)

Vol. In Press

Ämneskategorier

Biokemi och molekylärbiologi

Organisk kemi

DOI

10.1002/jcp.31065

PubMed

37357496

Mer information

Senast uppdaterat

2023-07-06