A systems biology approach identifies the biochemical mechanisms regulating monoterpenoid essential oil composition in peppermint.

ABSTRACT: The integration of mathematical modeling and experimental testing is emerging as a powerful approach for improving our understanding of the regulation of metabolic pathways. In this study, we report on the development of a kinetic mathematical model that accurately simulates the developmental patterns of monoterpenoid essential oil accumulation in peppermint (Mentha x piperita). This model was then used to evaluate the biochemical processes underlying experimentally determined changes in the monoterpene pathway under low ambient-light intensities, which led to an accumulation of the branchpoint intermediate (+)-pulegone and the side product (+)-menthofuran. Our simulations indicated that the environmentally regulated changes in monoterpene profiles could only be explained when, in addition

SUBMITTER: Rios-Estepa R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2268543 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature