Tamariscol biosynthesis in Frullania tamarisci

The liverwort Frullania tamarisci (L.) Dumort produces large amounts of terpenoids, among others the sesquiterpene alcohol tamariscol. Tamariscol has an earthy woody fragrance, and the use in perfurmes and production of it was patented in 1984. The microbial terpene synthase-like (MTPSL) enzyme FtMTPSL6 is shown to be responsible for the biosynthesis of tamariscol. FtMTPSL6 was obtained through RNA sequencing of wild growing F. tamarisci along with six other MTPSLs (FtMTPSL1-7). The biochemical activity was determined for three of them, and two others where metabolic active, but the product could not be identified. The three characterized enzymes are the tamariscol synthase (FtMTPSL6), copaene synthase (FtMTPSL1) and gurjunene synthase (FtMTPSL3). Thus, the biosynthesis of the economically attractive compound tamariscol is established, and this opens up for further exploitation of this molecule.