Cloning and functional analysis of a cDNA encoding ginkgo biloba farnesyl diphosphate synthase

Peng Wang, Zhihua Liao, Liang Guo, Wenchao Li, Min Chen, Yan Pi, Yifu Gong, Xiaofen Sun, Kexuan Tang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

35 Scopus citations

Abstract

Farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPS; EC2.5.1.1/EC2. 5.1.10) catalyzes the synthesis of farnesyl diphosphate, and provides precursor for biosynthesis of sesquiterpene and isoprenoids containing more than 15 isoprene units in Ginkgo biloba. Here we report the cloning, characterization and functional analysis of a new cDNA encoding FPS from G. biloba. The full-length cDNA (designated GbFPS) had 1731 bp with an open reading frame of 1170 bp encoding a polypeptide of 390 amino acids. The deduced GbFPS was similar to other known FPSs and contained all the conserved regions of trans-prenyl chain-elongating enzymes. Structural modeling showed that GbFPS had the typical structure of FPS, the most prominent feature of which is the arrangement of 13 core helices around a large central cavity. Southern blot analysis revealed a small FPS gene family in G. biloba. Expression analysis indicated that GbFPS expression was high in roots and leaves, and low in stems. Functional complementation of GbFPS in an FPS-deficient strain confirmed that GbFPS mediates farnesyl diphosphate biosynthesis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)150-156
Number of pages7
JournalMolecules and Cells
Volume18
Issue number2
StatePublished - 31 Oct 2004
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Bilobalide
  • Farnesyl diphosphate synthase
  • Ginkgo biloba
  • RACE
  • Yeast complementation

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