Manool Biosynthesis via Copalyl Diphosphate Synthase and Sclareol Synthase

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing (+)-manool are inefficient and lack specificity, as they rely on complex enzyme combinations and require optimization of enzyme sequences for effective diterpene synthesis.

Innovation Solution

A biochemical method involving copalyl diphosphate synthase and sclareol synthase enzymes, where specific amino acid sequences with high identity to SEQ ID NO: 14 or 15 and SEQ ID NO: 4 or 5 are used to convert geranylgeranyl diphosphate into (+)-manool, with optional isolation and further processing of the derivative.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If complex enzyme combinations are used for producing (+)-manool, then the production capability is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and optimization requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction capability of (+)-manoolVSAvoidenzyme combination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple enzyme functions (copalyl diphosphate synthase and sclareol synthase) into a coordinated biosynthetic system within host cells, where the enzymes work together in a unified pathway to convert GGPP to (+)-manool, reducing the need for separate production steps and optimization processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The engineered host cells serve multiple functions: they produce the precursor GGPP, express the required synthase enzymes, and perform the complete biosynthetic conversion to (+)-manool, eliminating the need for separate enzyme preparation and reaction systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If existing diterpene synthases are used, then the general diterpene production is achieved, but the specificity for (+)-manool production is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediterpene productionVSAvoidspecificity for (+)-manool
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces specific sequence variations in the copalyl diphosphate synthase and sclareol synthase enzymes that are localized to critical regions responsible for substrate binding and catalysis, thereby enhancing the specificity for (+)-manool production while maintaining overall enzyme functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies amino acid sequences of the synthase enzymes to change their catalytic parameters, specifically optimizing them for producing (+)-manool over other diterpene products, thereby achieving high manufacturing precision for the target compound

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method achieves high purity and yield of (+)-manool, with the ability to produce it in various derivatives, demonstrating improved efficiency and specificity in diterpene synthesis compared to existing approaches.

Implementation Method 1

contacting geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) with a copalyl diphosphate (CPP) synthase to form a copalyl diphosphate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnzymatic catalysis: Enzyme

Implementation Method 2

contacting the CPP with a sclareol synthase to form (+)-manool

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnzymatic catalysis: Enzyme

Data Source

PatentEP3559245B1Production of manool
Publication Date: 2021.08.25 FIRMENICH SA
  • EP3559245B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3559245B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3559245B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

Provided herein are methods of producing (+)-manool comprising: contacting geranylgeranyl diphosphate with a copalyl diphosphate (CPP) synthase to form a (9S, 10S)-copalyl diphosphate and contacting the CPP with a sclareol synthase enzyme to form (+)-manool and derivatives thereof. Also provided are nucleic acids encoding CPP synthases and sclareol synthases for use in the methods. Further provided are expression vectors and non-human host organisms and cells comprising nucleic acids encoding a CPP synthase and a sclareol synthase as described herein.