Gene cloning and expression analysis of limonene synthase in Syringa oblata and S. oblata var. alba

Abstract

Syringa species are important ornamentals with strong floral scent, of which monoterpenes are the main component. In this study, a new monoterpene synthase gene, named SoLIM, was collected from the flowers of Syringa oblata and S. oblata var. alba using a homologous cloning method. The full-length cDNA of SoLIM was 1746 bp and encoded 581 amino acids. Sequence analysis showed that SoLIM contained the DDxxD and RRx₈W motifs, which are two typical conserved monoterpene synthase motifs, and was thus classified as belonging to the Tpsb subfamily. Using quantitative reverse-transcription PCR, SoLIM was significantly expressed in the petals and pistils of S. oblata and S. oblata var. alba, respectively. SoLIM expression peaked earlier than the D-limonene emissions in the diurnal experiments, but occurred later when D-limonene had peaked during the flowering phase, indicating that differences in SoLIM gene expression and D-limonene emissions existed. The synthesis of floral scent is thus associated with diverse regulatory mechanisms that require further investigation.

Keywords

Floral scent / Syringa oblata / Syringa oblata var. alba / Limonene synthase gene

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