Molecular cloning and expression of farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase gene responsible for essential oil biosynthesis in hop (Humulus lupulus)

Farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) synthase catalyzes the biosynthesis of geranyl pyrophosphate (GPP) and FPP, which are the precursors of terpenoids such as essential oils, from isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (DMAPP). gDNA and cDNA encoding hop (Humulus lupulus L.) FPP synthase was cloned by the Inverse PCR method and the Cassette-mediated PCR method and sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequence showed a high identity to plant FPP synthases. The cloned gene was expressed in Escherichia coli cells to produce the FPP synthase. Northern blot analysis revealed that the FPP synthase gene was expressed in the lupulin gland, bract, leaf, and stem of hop and expressed more strongly in the lupulin gland than in other tissues.