1. Total biosynthesis of the cyclic AMP booster forskolin from Coleus forskohlii .
- Author
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Pateraki I, Andersen-Ranberg J, Jensen NB, Wubshet SG, Heskes AM, Forman V, Hallström B, Hamberger B, Motawia MS, Olsen CE, Staerk D, Hansen J, Møller BL, and Hamberger B
- Subjects
- Biotransformation, Diterpenes metabolism, Metabolic Engineering, Saccharomyces cerevisiae genetics, Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolism, Nicotiana genetics, Nicotiana metabolism, Biosynthetic Pathways genetics, Colforsin metabolism, Plectranthus genetics, Plectranthus metabolism
- Abstract
Forskolin is a unique structurally complex labdane-type diterpenoid used in the treatment of glaucoma and heart failure based on its activity as a cyclic AMP booster. Commercial production of forskolin relies exclusively on extraction from its only known natural source, the plant Coleus forskohlii , in which forskolin accumulates in the root cork. Here, we report the discovery of five cytochrome P450s and two acetyltransferases which catalyze a cascade of reactions converting the forskolin precursor 13 R -manoyl oxide into forskolin and a diverse array of additional labdane-type diterpenoids. A minimal set of three P450s in combination with a single acetyl transferase was identified that catalyzes the conversion of 13 R -manoyl oxide into forskolin as demonstrated by transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana . The entire pathway for forskolin production from glucose encompassing expression of nine genes was stably integrated into Saccharomyces cerevisiae and afforded forskolin titers of 40 mg/L.
- Published
- 2017
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