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Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin ›› 2025, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (34): 13-22.doi: 10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.casb2025-0106

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Research Progress on Plant Terpene Synthase

HE Weixian1,2,3(), LI Xulong1,2,3, ZHANG Long1,2, GU Yan1,2, WANG Jihua1,2,3, XU Shiqiang1,2()   

  1. 1 Crops Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences/ Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Crops Genetics & Improvement, Guangzhou 510640
    2 Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center for Conservation and Utilization of the Genuine Southern Medicinal Resources, Guangzhou 510640
    3 School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510640
  • Received:2025-02-17 Revised:2025-07-01 Online:2025-12-04 Published:2025-12-04

Abstract:

This study aims to clarify the key role of plant terpenoid synthase (TPS) in terpenoid biosynthesis and its complex regulation mechanism, and to explore its diverse biological characteristics and broad application prospects. Based on existing literature and research findings, we employed systematic review and comprehensive analysis methods to investigate the functional mechanisms and environmental response patterns of TPS from multiple dimensions: functional classification, evolution, structural catalytic characteristics, and multi-level regulation (DNA, transcription, and post-transcription). TPS catalyzes the formation of various terpenoid skeletons through its diverse structural domains, and the catalytic process is highly complex. The activity of TPS is strictly regulated by multiple levels; transcriptional regulation is mediated by various transcription factors; post-transcriptional regulation encompasses mRNA stability, translation efficiency, and protein post-translational modification. Environmental factors (e.g., biotic/abiotic stresses) have been demonstrated to significantly influence TPS gene expression and enzyme activity, thereby modulating the synthesis and accumulation of specific terpenoid products. Members of different TPS families exhibit divergence in evolution, and their functional differentiation is closely related to plant adaptability and terpenoid diversity. The relationship between the structure and function of TPS provides a molecular basis for understanding their substrate selectivity and product specificity. Research on TPS provides a core theoretical foundation for elucidating terpenoid biosynthesis and its regulatory mechanisms, significantly promoting their applications in agriculture, medicine, fragrances, cosmetics, and industry. This work holds substantial importance for sustainable development, human health, and the improvement of quality of life.

Key words: terpene synthase, structure, evolution, regulatory mechanism, application