Identification and Characterization of Terpene Synthases Potentially Involved in the Formation of Volatile Terpenes in Carrot (Daucus carota L.) Roots.
Plants produce an excess of volatile organic compounds, which are important in determining the quality and nutraceutical properties of fruit and root crops, including the taste and aroma of carrots (Daucus carota L.). A combined chemical, biochemical, and molecular study was conducted to evaluate the differential accumulation of volatile terpenes in a diverse collection of fresh carrots (D. carota L.). Here, we report on a transcriptome-based identification and functional characterization of two carrot terpene synthases, the sesquiterpene synthase, DcTPS1, and the monoterpene synthase, DcTPS2. Recombinant DcTPS1 protein produces mainly (E)-β-caryophyllene, the predominant sesquiterpene in carrot roots, and α-humulene, while recombinant DcTPS2 functions as a monoterpene synthase with geraniol as the main product. Both genes are differentially transcribed in different cultivars and during carrot root development. Our results suggest a role for DcTPS genes in carrot aroma biosynthesis.
†Newe Ya'ar Research Center, Agriculture Research Organization, Post Office Box 1021, Ramat Yishay 30095, Israel.
Mosaab
M
Yahyaa
‡Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 409 Latham Hall, 220 Agquad Lane, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States.
Dorothea
D
Tholl
§Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 119 Life Sciences I, 970 Washington Street, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States.
Guy
G
Cormier
§Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 119 Life Sciences I, 970 Washington Street, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States.
Roderick
R
Jensen
∥Vegetable Crops Research Unit, Department of Horticulture, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1575 Linden Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States.
Philipp W
PW
Simon
†Newe Ya'ar Research Center, Agriculture Research Organization, Post Office Box 1021, Ramat Yishay 30095, Israel.
Mwafaq
M
Ibdah
D019883:Alkyl and Aryl Transferases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D018552:Daucus carota / Q000737:chemistry / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000737:chemistry / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D013729:Terpenes / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D055549:Volatile Organic Compounds / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism
D010940:Plant Proteins; D013729:Terpenes; D055549:Volatile Organic Compounds; D019883:Alkyl and Aryl Transferases; C108877:terpene synthase
(E)-β-caryophyllene; Daucus carota; geraniol; terpene synthase; terpenes