Dynamics of monoterpene formation in spike lavender plants

Metabolites. Terpenes are derived from isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP), which are produced in two separate pathways: in the cytosol (via mevalonate, MVA) and the plastid (via methyl-D-erythritol-4-phosphate, MEP). The products of terpene metabolism include numerous valuable compounds including many with medicinal properties, and are being explored as target for enhancement through metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. Mendoza-Poudereux et al. used ¹³CO₂ labeling to explore the relative contributions of the MVA and MEP pathway in the production of the lavender Lavandula latifolia Med oil monoterpenes cineole and camphor. Their results suggest the MEP pathway is the predominant source of these terpenes in lavender, even when a key enzyme in the MVA pathway (HMGR) is overexpressed.  (Summary by Mary Williams) Metabolites 10.3390/metabo7040065