Characterization of terpene synthase from Piper nigrum during biotic stress
TL;DR
The molecular evidence linking a PnTPS-derived gene to caryophyllene biosynthesis in P. nigrum is provided, highlighting its potential role in plant defense and paving the way for functional validation and genetic improvement strategies aimed at enhancing biotic stress resistance in black pepper.
Abstract
Terpene synthases (TPS) play a vital role in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites involved in plant defense, development and stress response. Piper nigrum (black pepper), a commercially important spice crop, produces diverse terpenoids, yet the genetic basis of these biosynthetic pathways remains underexplored. In this study, we identified and characterized a terpene synthase gene (PnTPS) from P. nigrum using a biocomputational and molecular approach. Specific primers were designed from the PnTPS gene sequence retrieved from the NCBI database and used for PCR amplification in leaf and stem tissues. The amplified product was sequenced and the resulting gene was identified as PCARF which is likely involved in the biosynthesis of caryophyllene, a key sesquiterpene compound associated with stress tolerance and antimicrobial activity. Functional domain analysis via ScanProsite revealed the presence of a ferredoxin type iron sulphur binding domain, characteristic of certain terpene synthases. This study provides the molecular evidence linking a PnTPS-derived gene to caryophyllene biosynthesis in P. nigrum, highlighting its potential role in plant defense. The findings pave the way for functional validation and genetic improvement strategies aimed at enhancing biotic stress resistance in black pepper.