Abstract
Saponaria vaccaria (Caryophyllaceae), a soapwort, known in western Canada as cowcockle, contains bioactive oleanane-type saponins similar to those found in soapbark tree (Quillaja saponaria; Rosaceae). To improve our understanding of the biosynthesis of these saponins, a combined polymerase chain reaction and expressed sequence tag approach was taken to identify the genes involved. A cDNA encoding a beta-amyrin synthase (SvBS) was isolated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and characterized by expression in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). The SvBS gene is predominantly expressed in leaves. A S. vaccaria developing seed expressed sequence tag collection was developed and used for the isolation of a full-length cDNA bearing sequence similarity to ester-forming glycosyltransferases. The gene product of the cDNA, classified as UGT74M1, was expressed in Escherichia coli, purified, and identified as a triterpene carboxylic acid glucosyltransferase. UGT74M1 is expressed in roots and leaves and appears to be involved in monodesmoside biosynthesis in S. vaccaria.
Highlights
Saponaria vaccaria (Caryophyllaceae), a soapwort, known in western Canada as cowcockle, contains bioactive oleanane-type saponins similar to those found in soapbark tree (Quillaja saponaria; Rosaceae)
Phytochemical investigations of S. vaccaria seeds and other tissues have revealed the presence of triterpene saponins based on oleanane-type aglycones (Jia et al, 2002; Sang et al, 2003; Balsevich et al, 2006) similar to those found in the soapbark tree (Quillaja saponaria, Rosaceae; Guo et al, 1998)
As part of a broader study of the biochemical genetics of saponin biosynthesis in S. vaccaria, we report progress in understanding two of the steps shown in Figure 1 involved in monodesmoside formation through the identification and characterization of cDNAs encoding b-amyrin synthase (BAS) and an ester-forming triterpene glucosyltransferase
Summary
Saponaria vaccaria (Caryophyllaceae), a soapwort, known in western Canada as cowcockle, contains bioactive oleanane-type saponins similar to those found in soapbark tree (Quillaja saponaria; Rosaceae). This is based on biochemical and molecular genetic work from other species (Abe et al, 1993; Hostettmann and Marston, 1995; Mackenzie et al, 1997; Vogt and Jones, 2000; Haralampidis et al, 2002).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
