Plant terpene biosynthesis: organelles synergy
Jara M. Al-Mousawi, Manish L. Raorane
While traditionally viewed as compartmentalized, increasing evidence suggests a complex interplay between these terpene pathways. This crosstalk has been implicated in the biosynthesis of various isoprenoid classes. Despite growing recognition of this phenomenon, the precise mechanisms underlying isoprenoid transport between organelles remain elusive. While prenyl diphosphates have been proposed as potential candidates, definitive experimental evidence supporting their translocation across organelle membranes is lacking.
Furthermore, the subcellular localization of the MVA pathway has been refined to include the endoplasmic reticulum and peroxisome, challenging the classical cytosolic view. The dynamic architecture of plant organelles, characterized by structures such as stromules, matrixules, and peroxules, provides a potential framework for enhanced inter-organelle communication. We hypothesize that these organelle extensions facilitate the exchange of isoprenoid precursors.
To investigate this hypothesis, we utilize tobacco BY-2 suspension cells as a model system. Our approach involves three key strategies:
- Overexpressing terpene pathway genes in specific organelles to induce metabolic crosstalk.
- Employing chemical elicitors and fluorescent protein tags to visualize organelle interactions and dynamics.
- Utilizing labelled 13C sugars to quantify isoprenoid pathway crosstalk.
By elucidating the mechanisms governing isoprenoid production, this research aims to identify novel targets for further metabolic engineering.
