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A ShbHLH34-ShPUR Module Activates ShTPS1-mediated β-caryophyllene Biosynthesis for Insect Resistance in Sugarcane
Yue-Han Zhao1, Ya-Xin Zhang1, Lin Li1
1National Engineering Research Center of Sugarcane, Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biology and Genetic Breeding, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China.
Plant, Cell & Environment
|August 7, 2026
Summary
Sugarcane produces β-caryophyllene, a volatile terpenoid, in response to insect attack. This compound deters pests, and its production is regulated by the ShbHLH34/ShPUR-ShTPS1 module, offering targets for insect resistance.
Area of Science:
- Plant biochemistry and molecular biology
- Chemical ecology
- Entomology
Background:
- Terpenoids are diverse plant metabolites crucial for insect defense.
- Mechanisms regulating terpenoid biosynthesis in plants, especially sugarcane, are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize genes involved in herbivore-induced terpenoid biosynthesis in sugarcane.
- To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms controlling the expression of these genes.
- To evaluate the potential of identified compounds and genes for developing insect-resistant sugarcane.
Main Methods:
- Gene identification and characterization (ShTPS1).
- Enzymatic assays to determine substrate specificity and product of ShTPS1.
- In vivo overexpression studies in tobacco and sugarcane.
- Analysis of gene regulation by transcription factors (ShbHLH34) and cofactors (ShPUR).
Main Results:
- Identified ShTPS1, a terpene synthase gene induced by fall armyworm and sugarcane stem borer.
- ShTPS1 synthesizes β-caryophyllene from farnesyl diphosphate (FPP).
- β-caryophyllene exhibits strong repellent activity against multiple insect pests.
- Overexpression of ShTPS1 enhanced β-caryophyllene emission and reduced larval feeding.
- ShbHLH34 activates ShTPS1 transcription via promoter binding; ShPUR enhances this activation.
Conclusions:
- Established the ShbHLH34/ShPUR-ShTPS1 regulatory module as key in herbivore-induced terpenoid biosynthesis in sugarcane.
- Demonstrated the role of β-caryophyllene in plant defense against insect herbivores.
- Identified potential molecular targets for genetic improvement of insect resistance in sugarcane.
