Glandular Trichomes and Isoprenoid Biosynthesis

Stemming from our interest in glandular trichomes, the elucidation of the biosynthesis of diterpenoids has constituted a strong axis of our research. Most recently we reconstituted the biosynthesis of carnosic acid in yeast (Scheler et al., 2016). We further expanded the characterization of the oxidation network contributing to the biosynthesis of various diterpenoids related to carnosic acids (Bathe et al., 2019). Based on these data , in a current project (Combioscreen) funded by the Science Campus Plant Bioeconomy Halle, we are now implementing a combinatorial biosynthesis approach of diterpenoids in yeast using a Golden Gate based modular cloning system for yeast. By combining diterpene synthases with oxidizing enzymes from various organisms we will create a library of diterpenoids, some of which we expect to be novel or not having been identified so far in Nature. This library will first be screened for activity against cancer cells in collaboration with the group of Dr. Margret Köck at the Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg.