Parsing a multifunctional biosynthetic gene cluster from rice: Biochemical characterization of CYP71Z6 & 7

FEBS Lett. 2011 Nov 4;585(21):3446-51. doi: 10.1016/j.febslet.2011.09.038. Epub 2011 Oct 5.

Abstract

Rice (Oryza sativa) contains a biosynthetic gene cluster associated with production of at least two groups of diterpenoid phytoalexins, the antifungal phytocassanes and antibacterial oryzalides. While cytochromes P450 (CYP) from this cluster are known to be involved in phytocassane production, such mono-oxygenase activity relevant to oryzalide biosynthesis was unknown. Here we report biochemical characterization demonstrating that CYP71Z6 from this cluster acts as an ent-isokaurene C2-hydroxylase that is presumably involved in the biosynthesis of oryzalides. Our results further suggest that the closely related and co-clustered CYP71Z7 likely acts as a C2-hydroxylase involved in a latter step of phytocassane biosynthesis. Thus, CYP71Z6 & 7 appear to have evolved distinct roles in rice diterpenoid metabolism, offering insight into plant biosynthetic gene cluster evolution.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / biosynthesis
  • Biocatalysis
  • Biosynthetic Pathways / genetics*
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System / genetics*
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System / metabolism*
  • Diterpenes / metabolism
  • Gene Duplication
  • Hydroxylation
  • Multigene Family*
  • Oryza / enzymology
  • Oryza / genetics*
  • Oryza / metabolism*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Diterpenes
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System