title: Molecular cloning and characterization of a linalool synthase from lemon myrtle.
abstract: Using a homology-based PCR strategy, we identified a cDNA with sequence similarity to linalool synthase from lemon myrtle. Functional expression of the cDNA (designated BcLS) gene in Escherichia coli yielded an active enzyme capable of catalyzing the conversion of geranyl diphosphate to (-)-linalool, i.e., an acyclic monoterpene alcohol, and to lesser amounts of cyclic monoterpenes. The kinetic parameters of BcLS were similar to those of synthases producing cyclic monoterpenes. PCR analysis revealed that the BcLS gene transcript was ubiquitously expressed in lemon myrtle and was upregulated in response to jasmonic acid treatment. Although the physiological role of neryl diphosphate (NPP) dependency of BcLS remains unclear, the cyclization activity of BcLS was enhanced when NPP was used as substrate, resulting in predominant production of cyclic monoterpenes. These findings indicate that BcLS has novel specificity and kinetic parameters, but its physiological responses to stresses such as insect damage appear to be similar to known linalool synthases.
authors: School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Japan.
authors: Mizue
authors: M
authors: Sugiura
authors: Sohei
authors: S
authors: Ito
authors: Yosuke
authors: Y
authors: Saito
authors: Yasuo
authors: Y
authors: Niwa
authors: Anna M
authors: AM
authors: Koltunow
authors: Osamu
authors: O
authors: Sugimoto
authors: Hiroshi
authors: H
authors: Sakai
mesh_terms: D002957:Citrus / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D003001:Cloning, Molecular / Q000379:methods*; D018076:DNA, Complementary / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics*; D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; D006836:Hydro-Lyases / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics*; D007700:Kinetics; D039821:Monoterpenes / Q000378:metabolism; D031651:Myrtus / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D018076:DNA, Complementary; D039821:Monoterpenes; D010940:Plant Proteins; D006836:Hydro-Lyases; C092055:S-linalool synthase