A ShbHLH34-ShPUR Module Activates ShTPS1-mediated β-caryophyllene Biosynthesis for Insect Resistance in Sugarcane.

ShTPS1 in sugarcane hybrids is strongly induced by feeding from Spodoptera frugiperda and Chilo infuscatellus and drives β-caryophyllene biosynthesis.

• Why it matters: Terpenoids are important defenses, but the regulatory mechanisms controlling terpenoid biosynthesis during herbivore attack are largely unclear.
• What they did: The study characterized ShTPS1 enzymatically (FPP to β-caryophyllene), tested repellent effects on insect larvae, and showed ShbHLH34 binds a G-box in the ShTPS1 promoter, with ShPUR enhancing transcription.
• The result: ShTPS1 overexpression in tobacco and sugarcane increased β-caryophyllene emission and reduced larval feeding preference, establishing the ShbHLH34/ShPUR–ShTPS1 module as a key herbivore-induced regulatory mechanism in sugarcane.

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