Identification of the Bisabolol Synthase in the Endangered Candeia Tree (Eremanthus erythropappus (DC) McLeisch)

Abstract

Candeia (Eremanthus erythropappus (DC) McLeisch, Asteraceae) is a Brazilian tree, mainly occurring in the cerrado areas. From ethnobotanical information its essential oil is known to have wound healing and nociceptive properties. These properties are ascribed to result from a sesquiterpene alcohol, (–)-α-bisabolol, which is present at high concentrations in this oil. Bisabolol is highly valued by the cosmetic industry because of its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, skin-smoothing and wound healing properties. Over the past decades, Candeia timber has been collected at large scale for bisabolol extraction from wild reserves and the species is thereby at risk of extinction. To support the development of breeding and nursing practices that would facilitate sustainable cultivation of Candeia, we identified a terpene synthase gene, EeBOS1, that appears to control biosynthesis (–)-α-bisabolol in the plant. Expression of this gene in E. coli showed that EeBOS1 protein is capable of producing (–)-α-bisabolol from farnesyl pyrophosphate in vitro. Analysis of gene expression in different tissues from Candeia plants in different life stages showed a high correlation of EeBOS1 expression and accumulation of (–)-α-bisabolol. This work is the first step to unravel the pathway toward (–)-α-bisabolol in Candeia, and in the further study of the control of (–)-α-bisabolol production.

Enhanced (−)-α-Bisabolol Productivity by Efficient Conversion of Mevalonate in Escherichia coli

“…The global market of (−)-α-bisabolol is expected to reach $73 million by 2020, with an annual growth rate of 5.9% from 2016 [6]. Commercially available (−)-α-bisabolol is currently produced by the steam-distillation method using oils extracted from German chamomile or Brazilian candeia tree [7,8]. This process, however, has caused environmental issues, as well as economic concerns owing to a low extraction yield [8].…”

(−)-α-Bisabolol Production in Engineered Escherichia coli Expressing a Novel (−)-α-Bisabolol Synthase from the Globe Artichoke Cynara cardunculus var. Scolymus

“…This BOS enzyme produces enantiopure (−)-α-bisabolol in engineered bacteria. Thus far, only MrBOS and EeBOS have been shown to produce (−)-α-bisabolol enantioselectively. , Here, we empirically demonstrated that CcBOS can also generate (−)-α-bisabolol in engineered bacteria.…”

“…scolymus (CcBOS) were selected for further investigation. To identify the various functions of the selected TPSs, a phylogenetic tree was constructed using functionally validated TPSs including different BOSs, ,,− sesquiterpene synthase, farnesene synthase, bicyclogermacrene synthase, and isoprene synthase (Figure A). The previously reported BOS sequences (MrBOS and EeBOS) were relegated to the subtree containing AaBOS, CcBOS, and β-farnesene synthase.…”

“…erythropappus (EeBOS) and expressed in E. coli . EeBOS produced (−)-α-bisabolol from FPP in vitro but has not been adopted for fermentative (−)-α-bisabolol production in engineered E.…”

Biosynthesis of α-Bisabolol by Farnesyl Diphosphate Synthase and α-Bisabolol Synthase and Their Related Transcription Factors in Matricaria recutita L.

“…and A. maritima L. ( AkBOS and AmBOS , respectively), and has since been identified and characterized in A. abrotanum [ 12 ]. Recently, a BBS gene was identified in the Brazilian Candeia tree and expressed in Escherichia coli [ 13 ]. Because BBS is an important sesquiterpene synthase, its biosynthesis mechanism and function have received increasing attention in recent years.…”