cDNA cloning of enzymes responsible for scent compound biosynthesis from rose geranium and their application for molecular breeding

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24580008
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Breeding science
• Research Institution: University of Toyama (2013-2014); Kyushu University (2012)
• Principal Investigator: TAURA Futoshi 富山大学, 大学院医学薬学研究部(薬学), 准教授 (00301341)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): ASAKAWA Yoshinori 徳島文理大学, 薬学部, 教授 (50033874) ; KENMOKU Hiromichi 徳島文理大学, 薬学部, 助教 (10399438)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 生合成 / 植物 / 遺伝子 / 精油

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Rose geranium produces citronellol, a monoterpene rosy-scent compound. In this study, I sequenced transcriptome of young leaves of the plant to establish an expressed sequence database. I explored candidates genes for monoterpene metabolism, and consequently, cloned three cDNAs encoding old yellow enzyme homologues. The recombinant enzymes exhibited double bond reductase activity producing citronellal from citral. It is quite interesting that rose geranium contains citral reducing enzymes possibly involved in monoterpene metabolism. The obtained cDNAs may be applicable to metabolic engineering to create plants with modified fragrance.

Free Research Field

植物生化学