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Identification and characterization of a second isogene encoding γ-terpinene synthase in Thymus caespititius
Marta D Mendes1, José G Barroso1, M Margarida Oliveira2
1Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências de Lisboa, Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Instituto de Biotecnologia e Bioengenharia, Centro de Biotecnologia Vegetal, C2, Piso 1, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
Journal of Plant Physiology
|June 30, 2014
Summary
Researchers identified two related genes, Tctps2 and Tctps4, in Thymus caespititius that produce gamma-terpinene. These genes, likely from duplication, are active in plant shoots and contribute to essential oil compounds.
Area of Science:
- Plant biochemistry
- Molecular biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Thymus caespititius essential oils exhibit polymorphism, with monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes of pharmaceutical and food interest.
- Terpene synthases are key enzymes in the biosynthesis of these valuable compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize terpene synthase genes in Thymus caespititius.
- To investigate the genetic basis for gamma-terpinene production in this Iberian endemic species.
Main Methods:
- Screening of three in vitro T. caespititius genotypes for terpene synthase genes.
- Isolation and functional characterization of identified isogenes (Tctps2 and Tctps4).
- Sequence alignment and analysis of gene structure and protein identity.
Main Results:
- Two isogenes, Tctps2 and a novel Tctps4, encoding gamma-terpinene synthases were identified and characterized.
- Tctps4 possesses a shorter transit peptide and open reading frame compared to Tctps2, with 88% amino acid sequence identity.
- Both genes showed high transcript accumulation in shoots but were undetectable in roots, with reduced gamma-terpinene levels in aerial parts.
Conclusions:
- The presence of two gamma-terpinene synthase isogenes suggests evolutionary gene duplication in T. caespititius.
- Mutations have differentiated the genes without compromising enzyme activity.
- Gene expression patterns and downstream conversion influence essential oil composition.
