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Cloning and characterization of a cDNA encoding beta-amyrin synthase from petroleum plant Euphorbia tirucalli L.

Kajikawa M, Yamato KT, Fukuzawa H, Sakai Y, Uchida H, Ohyama K

Division of Integrated Life Science, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan.

Euphorbia tirucalli L., known as the petroleum plant, produces a large amount of triterpenes, such as beta-amyrin. Degenerate RT-PCR based on the sequences conserved among known beta-amyrin synthases led to cloning of a putative triterpene synthase cDNA, EtAS, from leaves of E. tirucalli. The deduced amino acid sequence of the EtAS cDNA showed the highest identity of 82% to the Panax ginseng beta-amyrin synthase. Heterologous expression of the EtAS ORF in the methylotrophic yeast, Pichia pastoris, resulted in production of beta-amyrin, revealing that the EtAS cDNA codes for a beta-amyrin synthase. This is the first report of a gene involved in the triterpene synthetic pathway from Euphorbiaceae plants.

Published 5 August 2005 in Phytochemistry, 66(15): 1759-66.
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