The molecular cloning of 8-epicedrol synthase from Artemisia annua

Arch Biochem Biophys. 1999 Sep 15;369(2):208-12. doi: 10.1006/abbi.1999.1357.

Abstract

A cDNA library was prepared from Artemisia annua, and a 129-bp fragment was amplified from this library using primers corresponding to sequences conserved in known dicot sesquiterpene synthases. A 1641-bp open reading frame that encoded a predicted protein 35-38% identical to dicot sesquiterpene synthases was cloned using this fragment as a hybridization probe. The gene product expressed in Escherichia coli cyclized farnesyl diphosphate to a 96:4 mixture of (-)8-epicedrol and cedrol. Neither cedrol epimer was detected by GC-MS in an A. annua extract prepared from the same specimen as the cDNA.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Antimalarials / metabolism
  • Artemisinins*
  • Asteraceae / enzymology
  • Asteraceae / genetics*
  • Carbon-Carbon Lyases / genetics*
  • Carbon-Carbon Lyases / metabolism
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • DNA, Complementary / genetics
  • Escherichia coli / genetics
  • Gene Library
  • Genes, Plant
  • Models, Chemical
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular
  • Plants, Medicinal / enzymology
  • Plants, Medicinal / genetics*
  • Polycyclic Sesquiterpenes
  • Polyisoprenyl Phosphates / metabolism*
  • RNA, Plant / genetics
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
  • Sesquiterpenes / metabolism
  • Terpenes / chemical synthesis*
  • Terpenes / chemistry

Substances

  • Antimalarials
  • Artemisinins
  • DNA, Complementary
  • Polycyclic Sesquiterpenes
  • Polyisoprenyl Phosphates
  • RNA, Plant
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Sesquiterpenes
  • Terpenes
  • cedrol
  • farnesyl pyrophosphate
  • artemisinin
  • Carbon-Carbon Lyases
  • 8-epicedrol synthase

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AF157059