Functional characterization and evolutionary diversification of sesquiterpene synthases in Cunninghamia konishii.

Six sesquiterpene synthase genes in Cunninghamia konishii were functionally characterized, revealing distinct products including dauca-4(11),8-diene and germacrene A.

• Why it matters: Understanding terpene biosynthesis in C. konishii is important because its characteristic aroma and valuable timber depend on volatile terpenes, yet their biosynthesis remains poorly understood.
• What they did: Researchers isolated six full-length sesquiterpene synthase genes and analyzed their functions, identifying specific products for each gene, such as dauca-4(11),8-diene and β-caryophyllene.
• The result: The findings offer new insights into volatile terpene biosynthesis and suggest functional diversification and evolutionary pathways of sesquiterpene synthases in conifers.