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Published on: October 4, 2019
Evolutionary, Functional and Mechanistic Characterisation of Microbial Terpene Synthase-Like Genes From Springtails
Min Wang1, Clement Schneider2, Zarley Rebholz3
1Kekulé-Institute For Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|August 12, 2026
Summary
Springtails possess genes for microbial terpene synthesis, producing novel compounds like sestersinellene and sinellene ether. This research reveals unique biosynthetic pathways in these ancient arthropods.
Area of Science:
- * Biochemistry
- * Molecular Biology
- * Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- * Previous research questioned the origin of terpenes in springtails.
- * Terpenes are vital natural products with diverse biological roles.
- * Springtails (Collembola) are ancient arthropod lineages.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate the genetic basis of terpene biosynthesis in springtails.
- * To characterize novel terpene synthases and their products from Sinella curviseta.
- * To elucidate unusual mechanistic aspects of terpene formation in Collembola.
Main Methods:
- * Bioinformatic analysis of 26 springtail genomes.
- * In vitro enzymatic assays of five candidate terpene synthases from Sinella curviseta.
- * Isotopic labeling experiments to study reaction mechanisms.
Main Results:
- * Discovery of numerous microbial-type terpene synthase genes in springtail genomes.
- * Characterization of four active terpene synthases with broad substrate specificity (Farnesyl pyrophosphate to Geranylfarnesyl pyrophosphate).
- * Identification of novel terpenes, including sestersinellene and sinellene ether, and elucidation of unique biosynthetic steps.
Conclusions:
- * Springtails are a significant source of novel terpenes and terpene-modifying enzymes.
- * The study provides a foundation for understanding terpene biosynthesis in Collembola.
- * Findings highlight the evolutionary significance of terpene metabolism in ancient arthropods.
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