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Hamberger, Björn

Publications and source records attributed to Hamberger, Björn.

8 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Data from: A high-quality genome assembly of the tetraploid Teucrium chamaedrys unveils a recent whole genome duplication and a large biosynthetic gene cluster for diterpenoid metabolism

Teucrium is well known for making clerodane-type diterpenoids that are produced from the backbone kolavanyl diphosphate. In order to begin to elucidate some of the complex biosynthetic pathways of these medicinal compounds, we identified and functionally characterized several kolavanyl diphosphate synthases from T. chamaedrys . Along the way, we discovered the genome of this species to be one of the largest genomes published from the Lamiaceae family, to which it belongs. This tetraploid, 3 Gbp genome is especially rich in diterpene synthase genes, with 74 putative sequences identified.

biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC)↗
DOE OSTI2024

Multilevel analysis between Physcomitrium patens and Mortierellaceae endophytes explores potential long‐standing interaction among land plants and fungi

SUMMARY The model moss species Physcomitrium patens has long been used for studying divergence of land plants spanning from bryophytes to angiosperms. In addition to its phylogenetic relationships, the limited number of differential tissues, and comparable morphology to the earliest embryophytes provide a system to represent basic plant architecture. Based on plant–fungal interactions today, it is hypothesized these kingdoms have a long‐standing relationship, predating plant terrestrialization. Mortierellaceae have origins diverging from other land fungi paralleling bryophyte divergence, are related to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi but are free‐living, observed to interact with plants, and can be found in moss microbiomes globally. Due to their parallel origins, we assess here how two Mortierellaceae species, Linnemannia elongata and Benniella erionia , interact with P. patens in coculture. We also assess how Mollicute ‐related or Burkholderia ‐related endobacterial symbionts (MRE or BRE) of these fungi impact plant response. Coculture interactions are investigated through high‐throughput phenomics, microscopy, RNA‐sequencing, differential expression profiling, gene ontology enrichment, and comparisons among 99 other P. patens transcriptomic studies. Here we present new high‐throughput approaches for measuring P. patens growth, identify novel expression of over 800 genes that are not expressed on traditional agar media, identify subtle interactions between P. patens and Mortierellaceae, and observe changes to plant–fungal interactions dependent on whether MRE or BRE are present. Our study provides insights into how plants and fungal partners may have interacted based on their communications observed today as well as identifying L. elongata and B. erionia as modern fungal endophytes with P. patens .

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Engineered poplar for bioproduction of the triterpene squalene

Here we aimed to engineer poplar with optimized pathways to produce squalene, a triterpene commonly used in cosmetic oils, a potential biofuel candidate, and the precursor to the further diversified classes of triterpenoids and sterols. The squalene production pathways were either re-targeted from the cytosol to plastids or co-produced with lipid droplets in the cytosol. Squalene and lipid droplet co-production appeared to be toxic, which we hypothesize to be due to disruption of adventitious root formation, suggesting a need for tissue specific production. Plastidial squalene production enabled up to 0.63 mg/g fresh weight in leaf tissue, which also resulted in reductions in isoprene emission and photosynthesis. These results were also studied through a technoeconomic analysis, providing further insight into developing poplar as a production host

isoprene emission↗
DOE OSTI2023

Plant terpene specialized metabolism: complex networks or simple linear pathways?

From the perspectives of pathway evolution, discovery and engineering of plant specialized metabolism, the nature of the biosynthetic routes represents a critical aspect. Classical models depict biosynthesis typically from an end-point angle and as linear, for example, connecting central and specialized metabolism. As the number of functionally elucidated routes increased, the enzymatic foundation of complex plant chemistries became increasingly well understood. The perception of linear pathway models has been severely challenged. With a focus on plant terpenoid specialized metabolism, we review here illustrative examples supporting that plants have evolved complex networks driving chemical diversification. The completion of several diterpene, sesquiterpene and monoterpene routes shows complex formation of scaffolds and their subsequent functionalization. These networks show that branch points, including multiple sub-routes, mean that metabolic grids are the rule rather than the exception. This concept presents significant implications for biotechnological production.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Terpene addition Sorghum

Examining the effects of terpene addition on the microbial community in Sorghum belowground compartments

amplicon sequencing↗
DOE OSTI2023

Uncovering a miltiradiene biosynthetic gene cluster in the Lamiaceae reveals a dynamic evolutionary trajectory

The spatial organization of genes within plant genomes can drive evolution of specialized metabolic pathways. Terpenoids are important specialized metabolites in plants with diverse adaptive functions that enable environmental interactions. Here, we report the genome assemblies of Prunella vulgaris, Plectranthus barbatus, and Leonotis leonurus. We investigate the origin and subsequent evolution of a diterpenoid biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) together with other seven species within the Lamiaceae (mint) family. Based on core genes found in the BGCs of all species examined across the Lamiaceae, we predict a simplified version of this cluster evolved in an early Lamiaceae ancestor. The current composition of the extant BGCs highlights the dynamic nature of its evolution. We elucidate the terpene backbones generated by the Callicarpa americana BGC enzymes, including miltiradiene and the terpene (+)-kaurene, and show oxidization activities of BGC cytochrome P450s. Our work reveals the fluid nature of BGC assembly and the importance of genome structure in contributing to the origin of metabolites.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗