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Published on: August 16, 2018
Functional Characterization of a Thujopsene-Type Sesquiterpene Synthase from Nemania Diffusa
Yuxin Zhou1, Jiatong Zeng1, Beilin Meng1
1School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing401331, China.
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
|July 20, 2026
Summary
Researchers discovered a novel fungal sesquiterpene synthase (NdSTS) that produces thujopsene and related compounds. This finding expands knowledge of fungal terpene synthases and offers new resources for thujopsene biosynthesis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Mycology
- Natural Product Synthesis
Background:
- Thujopsene is a tricyclic sesquiterpene found in plant essential oils, known for its biological activities.
- Sesquiterpene synthases are enzymes responsible for producing sesquiterpenes, but fungal sources are less explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize a novel sesquiterpene synthase from the fungus Nemania diffusa.
- To investigate the catalytic capabilities and substrate specificity of the identified enzyme, NdSTS.
- To explore the potential of fungal enzymes in the biosynthesis of thujopsene and related compounds.
Main Methods:
- Gene identification and cloning of NdSTS from Nemania diffusa.
- In vivo and in vitro enzymatic assays to determine product formation.
- Protein modeling and site-directed mutagenesis to identify key catalytic residues.
Main Results:
- Identified and characterized NdSTS, a fungal sesquiterpene synthase.
- NdSTS catalyzes the formation of thujopsene and thujopsan-2β-ol.
- Demonstrated broad substrate promiscuity, producing geraniol from geranyl pyrophosphate.
- Identified seven essential residues for NdSTS catalytic activity through mutagenesis.
Conclusions:
- This study reports the first fungal thujopsene-type sesquiterpene synthase.
- NdSTS expands the known diversity of fungal terpene synthases.
- Provides valuable genetic resources for thujopsene biosynthesis and enzyme engineering.
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