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Identification of rose phenylacetaldehyde synthase by functional complementation in yeast
Moran Farhi1, Orly Lavie, Tania Masci
1The Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12, 76100, Rehovot, Israel.
Researchers identified the Rose hybrida phenylacetaldehyde synthase (RhPAAS) gene, crucial for producing rose scent compounds 2-phenylacetaldehyde (PAA) and 2-phenylethanol (PEA). Its expression in yeast and rose flowers shows rhythmic patterns, regulated by the plant
Area of Science:
- Plant molecular biology
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
Background:
- Rose flowers emit 2-phenylacetaldehyde (PAA) and 2-phenylethanol (PEA), key contributors to their characteristic scent.
- PAA biosynthesis in roses is linked to L-phenylalanine via a pyridoxal-5'-phosphate-dependent enzyme, similar to petunias.
Purpose of the Study:
- To functionally characterize the Rosa hybrida phenylacetaldehyde synthase (RhPAAS) gene.
- To investigate the role of RhPAAS in PAA and PEA production in yeast and rose flowers.
- To explore the regulation and rhythmic expression of RhPAAS in rose floral tissues.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a Saccharomyces cerevisiae aro10 mutant for functional characterization of RhPAAS.
- Performed volatile headspace analysis to quantify PAA and PEA levels.
- Analyzed RhPAAS transcript accumulation spatially and temporally in rose tissues.
- Investigated transcript oscillation under free-running conditions to assess clock involvement.
Main Results:
- The aro10 mutant showed significantly reduced PAA and PEA production compared to wild-type yeast.
- Expression of RhPAAS in the aro10 mutant restored PAA levels and enhanced PEA production.
- RhPAAS expression was specific to floral tissues and peaked in mature flowers.
- RhPAAS transcript levels and volatile production exhibited daily rhythmic behavior, peaking in the afternoon.
- Rhythmic expression patterns suggested regulation by the endogenous circadian clock.
Conclusions:
- RhPAAS is a key enzyme in rose scent volatile biosynthesis.
- RhPAAS function can be characterized in yeast, offering a platform for metabolic engineering of PEA.
- RhPAAS expression in rose flowers is developmentally regulated and under circadian control, contributing to rhythmic scent emission.
