Biosynthetic Pathways of Purine and Pyridine Alkaloids in Coffee Plants

Abstract

Caffeine (1,3,7-N-trimethylxanthine) and trigonelline (1N-methylnicotinic acid) are major alkaloids in coffee plants. The key enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of these compounds are very closely related N-methyltransferases belonging to the motif Bʹ family of methyltransferases. The major biosynthetic pathways of caffeine and trigonelline are summarized in this review, including new evidence obtained from recombinant enzymes. In addition, precursor supply pathways are discussed with newly obtained results. Transgenic plants produced by the modification of the expression of N-methyltransferase genes are also introduced.

Chromosome Engineering in Tropical Cash Crops

“…cerevisiae have been codon-optimized, commercially synthesized, introduced into plasmids and then transferred into competent E. coli cells by chemical transformation 45 . Genetic engineering has also been suggested in C. canephora and C. arabica to create new metabolic pathways for the synthesis of caffeine and vitamin B3 46 . In addition, the expression of N1-demethylase genes from the Pseudomonas putida strain CBB5 in E. coli allowed for the recovery of theobromine from caffeine 47 .…”