Structural insight on assembly-line catalysis in terpene biosynthesis

Nat Commun. 2021 Jun 9;12(1):3487. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-23589-9.

Abstract

Fusicoccadiene synthase from Phomopsis amygdali (PaFS) is a unique bifunctional terpenoid synthase that catalyzes the first two steps in the biosynthesis of the diterpene glycoside Fusicoccin A, a mediator of 14-3-3 protein interactions. The prenyltransferase domain of PaFS generates geranylgeranyl diphosphate, which the cyclase domain then utilizes to generate fusicoccadiene, the tricyclic hydrocarbon skeleton of Fusicoccin A. Here, we use cryo-electron microscopy to show that the structure of full-length PaFS consists of a central octameric core of prenyltransferase domains, with the eight cyclase domains radiating outward via flexible linker segments in variable splayed-out positions. Cryo-electron microscopy and chemical crosslinking experiments additionally show that compact conformations can be achieved in which cyclase domains are more closely associated with the prenyltransferase core. This structural analysis provides a framework for understanding substrate channeling, since most of the geranylgeranyl diphosphate generated by the prenyltransferase domains remains on the enzyme for cyclization to form fusicoccadiene.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alkyl and Aryl Transferases / chemistry*
  • Alkyl and Aryl Transferases / metabolism
  • Ascomycota / chemistry
  • Ascomycota / enzymology
  • Catalysis
  • Catalytic Domain
  • Cryoelectron Microscopy
  • Cyclization
  • Dimethylallyltranstransferase / chemistry
  • Dimethylallyltranstransferase / metabolism
  • Diterpenes / metabolism*
  • Fungal Proteins / chemistry*
  • Fungal Proteins / metabolism
  • Glycosides / biosynthesis
  • Lyases / chemistry
  • Lyases / metabolism
  • Multifunctional Enzymes
  • Polyisoprenyl Phosphates / metabolism
  • Protein Conformation

Substances

  • Diterpenes
  • Fungal Proteins
  • Glycosides
  • Multifunctional Enzymes
  • Polyisoprenyl Phosphates
  • fusicoccadiene
  • fusicoccin
  • Alkyl and Aryl Transferases
  • Dimethylallyltranstransferase
  • Lyases
  • geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate

Supplementary concepts

  • Diaporthe amygdali