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Sci Rep

Title:		Construction of an artificial system for ambrein biosynthesis and investigation of some biological activities of ambrein
Author(s):		Yamabe Y; Kawagoe Y; Okuno K; Inoue M; Chikaoka K; Ueda D; Tajima Y; Yamada TK; Kakihara Y; Hara T; Sato T;
Address:		"Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, and Graduate School of Science and Technology, Niigata University, 8050, Ikarashi-2, Nishi-ku, Niigata, Japan. Department of Zoology, National Museum of Nature and Science, 4-1-1Amakubo, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan. Division of Dental Pharmacology, Department of Tissue Regeneration and Reconstruction, Faculty of Dentistry, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Chuo-ku, Niigata, 951-8514, Japan. kakihara@dent.niigata-u.ac.jp. Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, and Graduate School of Science and Technology, Niigata University, 8050, Ikarashi-2, Nishi-ku, Niigata, Japan. harata@agr.niigata-u.ac.jp. Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, and Graduate School of Science and Technology, Niigata University, 8050, Ikarashi-2, Nishi-ku, Niigata, Japan. satot@agr.niigata-u.ac.jp"
Journal Title:		Sci Rep
Year:		2020
Volume:		20201112
Issue:		1
Page Number:		19643 -
DOI:		10.1038/s41598-020-76624-y
ISSN/ISBN:		2045-2322 (Electronic) 2045-2322 (Linking)
Abstract:		"Ambergris, a sperm whale metabolite, has long been used as a fragrance and traditional medication, but it is now rarely available. The odor components of ambergris result from the photooxidative degradation of the major component, ambrein. The pharmacological activities of ambergris have also been attributed to ambrein. However, efficient production of ambrein and odor compounds has not been achieved. Here, we constructed a system for the synthesis of ambrein and odor components. First, we created a new triterpene synthase, 'ambrein synthase,' for mass production of ambrein by redesigning a bacterial enzyme. The ambrein yields were approximately 20 times greater than those reported previously. Next, an efficient photooxidative conversion system from ambrein to a range of volatiles of ambergris was established. The yield of volatiles was 8-15%. Finally, two biological activities, promotion of osteoclast differentiation and prevention of amyloid beta-induced apoptosis, were discovered using the synthesized ambrein"
Keywords:		Ambergris/*chemistry Amyloid beta-Peptides/pharmacology Animals *Apoptosis Cell Differentiation Cell Line Humans Naphthols/*chemistry/*pharmacology Osteoclasts/*cytology/drug effects/metabolism Sperm Whale/*metabolism Triterpenes/chemistry/pharmacology Vo;
Notes:		"MedlineYamabe, Yota Kawagoe, Yukina Okuno, Kotone Inoue, Mao Chikaoka, Kanako Ueda, Daijiro Tajima, Yuko Yamada, Tadasu K Kakihara, Yoshito Hara, Takashi Sato, Tsutomu eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't England 2020/11/14 Sci Rep. 2020 Nov 12; 10(1):19643. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-76624-y"