| Title: | Formation of the unusual semivolatile diterpene rhizathalene by the Arabidopsis class I terpene synthase TPS08 in the root stele is involved in defense against belowground herbivory |
| Author(s): | Vaughan MM; Wang Q; Webster FX; Kiemle D; Hong YJ; Tantillo DJ; Coates RM; Wray AT; Askew W; O'Donnell C; Tokuhisa JG; Tholl D; |
| Address: | "Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA" |
| ISSN/ISBN: | 1532-298X (Electronic) 1040-4651 (Print) 1040-4651 (Linking) |
| Abstract: | "Secondary metabolites are major constituents of plant defense against herbivore attack. Relatively little is known about the cell type-specific formation and antiherbivore activities of secondary compounds in roots despite the substantial impact of root herbivory on plant performance and fitness. Here, we describe the constitutive formation of semivolatile diterpenes called rhizathalenes by the class I terpene synthase (TPS) 08 in roots of Arabidopsis thaliana. The primary enzymatic product of TPS08, rhizathalene A, which is produced from the substrate all-trans geranylgeranyl diphosphate, represents a so far unidentified class of tricyclic diterpene carbon skeletons with an unusual tricyclic spiro-hydrindane structure. Protein targeting and administration of stable isotope precursors indicate that rhizathalenes are biosynthesized in root leucoplasts. TPS08 expression is largely localized to the root stele, suggesting a centric and gradual release of its diterpene products into the peripheral root cell layers. We demonstrate that roots of Arabidopsis tps08 mutant plants, grown aeroponically and in potting substrate, are more susceptible to herbivory by the opportunistic root herbivore fungus gnat (Bradysia spp) and suffer substantial removal of peripheral tissue at larval feeding sites. Our work provides evidence for the in vivo role of semivolatile diterpene metabolites as local antifeedants in belowground direct defense against root-feeding insects" |
| Keywords: | Alkyl and Aryl Transferases/*chemistry Animals Arabidopsis/chemistry/drug effects/*enzymology/physiology Axenic Culture Cyclopentanes/pharmacology Diptera/physiology Diterpenes/*chemistry/immunology/isolation & purification Herbivory/*physiology Larva/phy; |
| Notes: | "MedlineVaughan, Martha M Wang, Qiang Webster, Francis X Kiemle, Dave Hong, Young J Tantillo, Dean J Coates, Robert M Wray, Austin T Askew, Whitnee O'Donnell, Christopher Tokuhisa, James G Tholl, Dorothea eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S. England 2013/03/21 Plant Cell. 2013 Mar; 25(3):1108-25. doi: 10.1105/tpc.112.100057. Epub 2013 Mar 19" |
