CSB Special Seminar: Forward genetics to synthetic biology: the case of a mutant in Madagascar periwinkle – Mehran Dastmalchi, PhD – Plant Science, McGill University

CSB Special Seminar: 

Mehran Dastmalchi, PhD

Plant Science, McGill University

TITLE: Forward genetics to synthetic biology: the case of a mutant in Madagascar Periwinkle

ABSTRACT:

Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar periwinkle) is a medicinal plant that produces an abundance of monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIAs), notably the anticancer compounds vinblastine and vincristine. While the canonical pathway is resolved at the enzymatic level, the mechanisms controlling many lateral branches of MIA biosynthesis, as well as their transport, remain largely unknown. Here, we describe an EMS-generated mutant of C. roseus, which accumulates high levels of MIAs, including akuammicine, a promising analgesic compound. In addition to its unique chemical profile, we observed a striking lesion-mimic mutant (LMM) phenotype. My talk will encompass morphological and multi-omic analyses to pinpoint the causal mutation and to describe the cascade of cellular and metabolic events leading to this phenotype. We also draw upon this mutant for new leads on the biosynthesis, regulation, and transport of MIAs, which has led to our recent characterization of CrMATE1, a vacuolar secologanin uptake transporter. Finally, these plant competencies are deployed in a synthetic biology context to improve the titers of medicinal MIAs. From core to specialized metabolism—there are a lot of untapped molecular and biochemical nuances that we seek to explore.

HOST: Provart Lab

LOCATION: RW432