Triterpene biosynthesis in plants.
The triterpenes are one of the most numerous and diverse groups of plant natural products. They are complex molecules that are, for the most part, beyond the reach of chemical synthesis. Simple triterpenes are components of surface waxes and specialized membranes and may potentially act as signaling molecules, whereas complex glycosylated triterpenes (saponins) provide protection against pathogens and pests. Simple and conjugated triterpenes have a wide range of applications in the food, health, and industrial biotechnology sectors. Here, we review recent developments in the field of triterpene biosynthesis, give an overview of the genes and enzymes that have been identified to date, and discuss strategies for discovering new triterpene biosynthetic pathways.
Department of Metabolic Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, United Kingdom; email: anne.osbourn@jic.ac.uk.
Ramesha
R
Thimmappa
Katrin
K
Geisler
Thomas
T
Louveau
Paul
P
O'Maille
Anne
A
Osbourn
D053898:Biosynthetic Pathways; D010944:Plants / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D012503:Saponins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism; D014315:Triterpenes / Q000378:metabolism*
D012503:Saponins; D014315:Triterpenes