Genomics of Terpene Biosynthesis in Dictyoceratid Sponges (Porifera) – What Do We (not) Know?

Zitation: Galitz, Adrian und Vargas, Sergio und Thomas, Olivier P. und Reddy, Maggie M. und Wörheide, Gert und Erpenbeck, Dirk: Genomics of Terpene Biosynthesis in Dictyoceratid Sponges (Porifera) – What Do We (not) Know?. 28. Juli 2024. Open Data LMU. 10.5282/ubm/data.505

Be­schrei­bung

Sponges are recognized as promising sources for novel bioactive metabolites. Among them are terpenoid metabolites that constitute key biochemical defense mechanisms in several sponge taxa. Despite their significance, the genetic basis for terpenoid biosynthesis in sponges remains poorly understood. Dictyoceratida comprise demosponges well-known for their bioactive terpenoids. In this study, we checked the currently available genomic data for insights into the metabolic pathways of dictyoceratid terpenoids. We first identified prenyltransferase (PT) and terpene cyclase (TC) enzymes essential for the terpenoid biosynthetic processes in the terrestrial realm by analyzing available transcriptomic and genomic data of Dictyoceratida sponges and 10 other sponge species. All Dictyoceratida sponges displayed various PTs involved in either sesqui- or diterpene, steroid and carotenoid production. Additionally, it was possible to identify a potential candidate for a dictyoceratid sesterterpene PT. However, analogs of common terrestrial TCs were absent, suggesting the existence of a distinct or convergently evolved sponge-specific TC. Our study aims to contribute to the foundational understanding of terpene biosynthesis in sponges, unveiling the currently evident genetic components for terpenoid production in species not previously studied. Simultaneously, it aims to identify the known and unknown factors, as starting point for biochemical and genetic investigations in sponge terpenoid production.

Quelle

Chemistry and Biodiversity

• Dokumententyp: Daten
• Name der Kontakt­person: Erpenbeck, Dirk
• E-Mail der Kontaktperson: erpenbeck at LMU.de
• Fächer: Biologie
• Dewey Dezimal­klassi­fikation: 500 Naturwissenschaften und Mathematik > 570 Biowissenschaften, Biologie ; 500 Naturwissenschaften und Mathematik > 590 Tiere (Zoologie)
• Eingestellt von: PD Dr. Dirk Erpenbeck