Biosynthesis of bioactive piperamides in Piper Tuberculatum (Piperaceae)

Abstract

Piper tuberculatum species belongs to the Piperaceae family and is an herb that typically grows in tropical areas of Brazil1. Previous chemical studies of the leaves and seeds from P. tuberculatum described the occurrence of isobutyl, piperidine and piperidone amides, which showed a potent trypanocidal, antifungal and insecticide activity. In general plant alkaloids comprise an important group of secondary metabolites because of their potent biological activity. Nevertheless, the biosynthesis of amides at the enzyme and gene levels is virtually unknown. In order to unravel this biosynthetic pathway, we have investigated the participation of malonic acid and L-valine and L-lysine amino acids as precursors. Additionally, the leaves and seeds protein profile of P. tuberculatum were investigated aiming to understand the amides formation as well as the regulatory process at the enzymatic level. The proteomic analysis indicated the presence of enzymes involved in primary and secondary metabolism, including a variety of defense proteins. All of these information will contribute significantly for further biosynthetic studies at gene levels.