1. A cDNA clone for β-caryophyllene synthase from Artemisia annua
- Author
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Cai, Yu, Jia, Jun-Wei, Crock, John, Lin, Zhi-Xin, Chen, Xiao-Ya, and Croteau, Rodney
- Subjects
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ARTEMISIA , *ASTERACEAE , *GENE expression - Abstract
An homology-based cloning strategy yielded a full-length cDNA from Artemisia annua that encoded a protein of 60.3 kDa which resembled a sesquiterpene synthase in sequence. Heterologous expression of the gene in Escherichia coli provided a soluble recombinant enzyme capable of catalyzing the divalent metal ion-dependent conversion of farnesyl diphosphate to β-caryophyllene, a sesquiterpene olefin found in the essential oil of A. annua. In reaction parameters and kinetic properties, β-caryophyllene synthase resembles other sesquiterpene synthases of angiosperms. The β-caryophyllene synthase gene is expressed in most plant tissues during early development, and is induced in mature tissue in response to fungal elicitor thus suggesting a role for β-caryophyllene in plant defense. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2002
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