Biosynthesis and Bioactivity of Anti-Inflammatory Triterpenoids in Calendula officinalis (pot marigold)

Avatar
Poster
Voice is AI-generated
Connected to paperThis paper is a preprint and has not been certified by peer review

Biosynthesis and Bioactivity of Anti-Inflammatory Triterpenoids in Calendula officinalis (pot marigold)

Authors

Golubova, D.; Salmon, M.; Su, H.; Tansley, C.; Kaithakottil, G. G.; Linsmith, G.; Schudoma, C.; Swarbreck, D.; O'Connell, M. A.; Patron, N. J.

Abstract

Plants have been central to traditional medicine for millennia, yet the precise metabolites responsible for their therapeutic properties often remain unidentified. Moreover, the low natural abundance and structural complexity of bioactive molecules can hinder their accessibility and chemical synthesis. Here, we investigate the widely reported anti-inflammatory properties of Calendula officinalis (pot marigold), an ancient medicinal herb. We confirm C16-hydroxylated triterpenoids as key contributors to the anti-inflammatory activity of C. officinalis floral extracts and uncover a novel mechanism by which they act in modulating interleukin 6 release. Through biosynthetic pathway elucidation, we demonstrate that the oxidosqualene synthase catalysing the first committed step emerged early in Asteraceae evolution and identify residues governing product specificity. Further, we functionally characterise cytochrome P450s and acyltransferases responsible for downstream modifications. By reconstructing the complete biosynthetic pathway in the heterologous plant chassis Nicotiana benthamiana, we provide a platform for production of the anti-inflammatory components. Our work highlights how integrated studies of bioactivity and biosynthesis can unlock the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants.

Follow Us on

0 comments

Add comment