Characterization of a sesquiterpene synthase and a short-chain dehydrogenase in zerumbone biosynthesis and the applications in engineered <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i>.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Zerumbone is a pharmacologically active sesquiterpenoid with limited availability. This study aims to elucidate its biosynthetic pathway in Curcuma wenyujin by identifying and characterizing the key enzymes responsible for its production.

Methods

Candidate genes were selected via transcriptome analysis and phylogenetics. CwTPS8 and CwSDR1 were cloned and functionally characterized using in vitro enzyme assays and heterologous expression in engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Molecular docking and site-directed mutagenesis were applied to investigate the catalytic mechanism of CwTPS8.

Results

CwTPS8 was identified as a multifunctional sesquiterpene synthase that catalyzes the formation of α-humulene (a key zerumbone precursor) and β-caryophy

SUBMITTER: Xu M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12532338 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature