Evolution of a complex locus for terpene biosynthesis in Solanum

Yuki Matsuba, Thuong T.H. Nguyen, Krystle Wiegert, Vasiliki Falara, Eliana Gonzales-Vigil, Bryan Leong, Petra Schäfer, David Kudrna, Rod A. Wing, Anthony M. Bolger, Björn Usadel, Alain Tissier, Alisdair R. Fernie, Cornelius S. Barry, Eran Pichersky

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

122 Scopus citations

Abstract

Functional gene clusters, containing two or more genes encoding different enzymes for the same pathway, are sometimes observed in plant genomes, most often when the genes specify the synthesis of specialized defensive metabolites. Here, we show that a cluster of genes in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum; Solanaceae) contains genes for terpene synthases (TPSs) that specify the synthesis of monoterpenes and diterpenes from cis-prenyl diphosphates, substrates that are synthesized by enzymes encoded by cis-prenyl transferase (CPT) genes also located within the same cluster. The monoterpene synthase genes in the cluster likely evolved from a diterpene synthase gene in the cluster by duplication and divergence. In the orthologous cluster in Solanum habrochaites, a new sesquiterpene synthase gene was created by a duplication event of a monoterpene synthase followed by a localized gene conversion event directed by a diterpene synthase gene. The TPS genes in the Solanum cluster encoding cis-prenyl diphosphate-utilizing enzymes are closely related to a tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum; Solanaceae) diterpene synthase encoding Z-abienol synthase (Nt-ABS). Nt-ABS uses the substrate copal-8-ol diphosphate, which is made from the all-trans geranylgeranyl diphosphate by copal-8-ol diphosphate synthase (Nt-CPS2). The Solanum gene cluster also contains an ortholog of Nt-CPS2, but it appears to encode a nonfunctional protein. Thus, the Solanum functional gene cluster evolved by duplication and divergence of TPS genes, together with alterations in substrate specificity to utilize cis-prenyl diphosphates and through the acquisition of CPT genes. © 2013 American Society of Plant Biologists. All rights reserved.
Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalPlant Cell
Volume25
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2013
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Generated from Scopus record by KAUST IRTS on 2019-11-20

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Evolution of a complex locus for terpene biosynthesis in Solanum'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this