{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Functional Plasticity of a Viral Terpene Synthase, OILTS, that Shows Non-Specific Metal Cofactor Binding and Metal-Dependent Biosynthesis.
{Author}: Jung Y;Mitsuhashi T;Kikuchi T;Fujita M;
{Journal}: Chemistry
{Volume}: 30
{Issue}: 31
{Year}: 2024 Jun 3
{Factor}: 5.02
{DOI}: 10.1002/chem.202304317
{Abstract}: OILTS is a viral class I terpene synthase found from the giant virus Orpheovirus IHUMI-LCC2. It exhibits a unique structure and demonstrates high plasticity to metal cofactors, allowing it to biosynthesize different cyclic terpene frameworks. Notably, while OILTS produces only (+)-germacrene D-4-ol with the most common cofactor, Mg2+, it also biosynthesizes a different cyclic terpene, (+)-cubebol, with Mn2+, Co2+, or Ni2+, presenting a rare instance of cofactor-dependent enzyme catalysis. This is the first report of (+)-cubebol biosynthesis, to our knowledge. In addition, OILTS can uptake Zn2+ as a cofactor, which is uncommon among ordinary terpene synthases. These findings suggest that OILTS's functional plasticity may benefit the virus in diverse host environments, highlighting potential evolutionary implications.