Abstract
In the biosynthesis of terpenoids, the ample catalytic versatility of terpene synthases (TPS) allows the formation of thousands of different molecules. A steadily increasing number of sequenced plant genomes invariably show that the TPS gene family is medium to large in size, comprising from 30 to 100 functional members. In conifers, TPSs belonging to the gymnosperm-specific TPS-d subfamily produce a complex mixture of mono-, sesqui-, and diterpenoid specialized metabolites, which are found in volatile emissions and oleoresin secretions. Such substances are involved in the defence against pathogens and herbivores and can help to protect against abiotic stress. Oleoresin terpenoids can be also profitably used in a number of different fields, from traditional and modern medicine to fine chemicals, fragrances, and flavours, and, in the last years, in biorefinery too. In the present work, after summarizing the current views on the biosynthesis and biological functions of terpenoids, recent advances on the evolution and functional diversification of plant TPSs are reviewed, with a focus on gymnosperms. In such context, an extensive characterization and phylogeny of all the known TPSs from different Pinus species is reported, which, for such genus, can be seen as the first effort to explore the evolutionary history of the large family of TPS genes involved in specialized metabolism. Finally, an approach is described in which the phylogeny of TPSs in Pinus spp. has been exploited to isolate for the first time mono-TPS sequences from Pinus nigra subsp. laricio, an ecologically important endemic pine in the Mediterranean area.
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Adapted from Tholl et al. (2015)
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Data Availability
The cDNA and genomic sequences of the monoterpene synthases (MTPSs) from Pinus nigra subsp. laricio will appear in the GenBank database with the following accession numbers: MN088807 (Pnl_MBOS_1.1), MN088808 (Pnl_MTPS_1.2), MN088809 (Pnl_MTPS_1.5), MN088810 (Pnl_MTPS_1.7), MN088811 (Pnl_MTPS_1.4) and MN088812 (Pnl_MTPS_1.3).
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The present work was carried out in the framework of the “ALForLab” Project (PON03PE_00024_1), co-funded by the National Operational Programme for Research and Competitiveness (PON R&C) 2007–2013, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and National Resource (Revolving Fund-Cohesion Action Plan (CAP) MIUR).
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Supplementary file1 (PDF 510 kb) Table S1 Full-length cDNA sequences retrieved from the NCBI database upon which the phylogenetic analysis of terpene synthases in gymnosperms was carried out (Fig. 5). The ent-kaurene synthase from the moss Physcomitrella patens was included as outgroup
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Supplementary file2 (PDF 277 kb) Table S2 Full-length cDNA sequences of functionally characterized terpene synthases (TPSs) employed for the BLAST search in the NCBI database of the putative TPSs of Pinus spp.
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Supplementary file3 (TIFF 1751 kb) Fig. S1 Phylogenetic tree for the deduced amino acid sequences of the 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol synthases (MBOSs) from Pinus species identified in NCBI database (Table 3). Physcomitrella patens ent-kaurene synthase (Pt TPS-entKS) was used to root the tree
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Supplementary file4 (TIFF 3159 kb) Fig. S2 Strategy adopted for the genomic amplification of a putative Pinus nigra subsp. laricio gene belonging to the phylogenetic TPS-d1 Group 3. a Schematic representation of the full-length cDNA of a representative member of the phylogenetic TPS-d1 Group 3 (PcMTPS4 from Pinus contorta, in the present case, see Fig. 6; Table 3) in which the positions of the forward (F2) and the reverse (R3) primers used in the amplification of genomic DNA are shown. b Intron (yellow)/exon (blue) structure of the amplified Pinus nigra subsp. laricio genomic sequence. The positions of the primers used to amplify the genomic fragment are also shown
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Supplementary file5 (TIFF 4184 kb) Fig. S3 Phylogenetic tree of the deduced amino acid sequences obtained by combining monoterpene synthases (MTPSs) and the five selected 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol synthases (MBOSs) identified in different Pinus species (Fig. 6; Table 3) and the six sequences isolated from Pinus nigra subsp. laricio (outlined in red). Physcomitrella patens ent-kaurene synthase (Pt TPS-entKS) was used to root the tree. Branches indicated with dots represent bootstrap support more than 80% (100 repetitions). The seven phylogenetic groups identified in the pine members of TPS-d1 clade are highlighted with square brackets. For acronyms denoting plants species, see Table 3
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Supplementary file6 (PDF 324 kb) Experimental procedures: Notes: Data archiving statement The cDNA and genomic sequences of the monoterpene synthases (MTPSs) from Pinus nigra subsp. laricio will appear in the GenBank database with the following accession numbers: MN088807 (Pnl_MBOS_1.1), MN088808 (Pnl_MTPS_1.2), MN088809 (Pnl_MTPS_1.5), MN088810 (Pnl_MTPS_1.7), MN088811 (Pnl_MTPS_1.4) and MN088812 (Pnl_MTPS_1.3)
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Alicandri, E., Paolacci, A.R., Osadolor, S. et al. On the Evolution and Functional Diversity of Terpene Synthases in the Pinus Species: A Review. J Mol Evol 88, 253–283 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00239-020-09930-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00239-020-09930-8