Molecular Cloning and Characterization of a Vacuolar Class III Peroxidase Involved in the Metabolism of Anticancer Alkaloids in Catharanthus roseus

• DOI: 10.1104/pp.107.107060
• Publication Date: 2007-12-08T01:53:40Z
• Authors: Maria Manuela R. ...; Frederique Hilliou; Patrícia Duarte; Luís Gustavo Pereira; Iolanda Almeida; Mark Leech; Johan Memelink; Alfonso Ros Barceló; Mariana Sottomayor
• Keywords: Catharanthus roseus; Cloning (programming)

Catharanthus roseus produces low levels of two dimeric terpenoid indole alkaloids, vinblastine and vincristine, which are widely used in cancer chemotherapy. The dimerization reaction leading to α-3′,4′-anhydrovinblastine is a key regulatory step for the production anticancer alkaloids planta has potential application industrial semisynthetic derivatives also as drugs. In this work, we report cloning, characterization, subcellular localization an enzyme with anhydrovinblastine synthase activity identified major class III peroxidase present C. leaves named CrPrx1. deduced amino acid sequence corresponds polypeptide 363 acids including N-terminal signal peptide showing secretory nature CrPrx1 two-intron structure single gene copy. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that belongs evolutionary branch vacuolar peroxidases whose members seem have been recruited different functions during evolution. Expression green fluorescent protein-CrPrx1 fusion confirmed peroxidase, exact alkaloid monomeric precursors products. data further supports role biosynthesis, indicating target increase plant.