Biochemical analysis of the TPS-a subfamily in Medicago truncatula

Abstract

Terpenes are important mediators of plant chemical response to environmental cues. Here, we describe the genome-wide identification and biochemical characterization of TPS-a members in <i>Medicago truncatula</i>, a model legume crop. Genome mining identified thirty-nine full-length terpene synthases with a significant number predicted to produce monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Biochemical characterization of the TPS-a subfamily associated with sesquiterpene biosynthesis revealed such compounds, that exhibit substantial biological activity in other plants. Gene expression analysis using qPCR and the <i>Medicago</i> gene atlas illustrated distinct tissue and time-based variation in expression in leaves and roots. Together our work establishes the gene-to-metabolite relationships for sesquiterpene synthases in <i>M. truncatula</i>. Understanding the biosynthetic capacity is a foundational step to defining the ecological roles of this important family of compounds.