Abstract
Hydroponically cultivated Nigella sativa L. plants treated with methyl jasmonate (MeJA) showed a twelve-fold increase in levels of the monodesmosidic triterpene saponins alpha-hederin and kalopanaxsaponin I (KsI) in the leaves. We will demonstrate that these two saponins accounted for approximately 10% of the dry plant matter, of which 93% was KsI and 7% alpha-hederin. To address the molecular basis of saponin induction by MeJA, we cloned and characterized the beta-amyrin synthase gene (NsbetaAS1) encoding one of the key enzymes in triterpene saponin biosynthesis. As expected, NsbetaAS1 transcription was induced by MeJA and led to the production of beta-amyrin when over-expressed in yeast.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Acetates / pharmacology*
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Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
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Cyclopentanes / pharmacology*
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Intramolecular Transferases / chemistry
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Intramolecular Transferases / genetics*
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Intramolecular Transferases / physiology
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Nigella sativa / drug effects
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Nigella sativa / enzymology
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Nigella sativa / metabolism*
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Oleanolic Acid / analogs & derivatives*
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Oleanolic Acid / biosynthesis
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Oleanolic Acid / chemistry
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Oleanolic Acid / isolation & purification
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Oxylipins / pharmacology*
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Plant Growth Regulators / pharmacology*
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Plant Proteins / chemistry
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Plant Proteins / genetics*
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Plant Proteins / physiology
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Saponins / biosynthesis*
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Saponins / chemistry
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Saponins / isolation & purification
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Transcription, Genetic / drug effects
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Yeasts / genetics
Substances
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Acetates
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Cyclopentanes
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Oxylipins
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Plant Growth Regulators
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Plant Proteins
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Saponins
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beta-hederin
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kalopanax saponin I
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Oleanolic Acid
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methyl jasmonate
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Intramolecular Transferases
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2,3-oxidosqualene-beta-amyrin-cyclase