Characterization of monoterpene and sesquiterpene synthases from Nardostachys jatamansi

Nardostachys jatamansi essential oil possesses various pharmaceutical activities and is widely applied in the cosmetic and perfume industries. It mainly comprises monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids. In this work, 21 monoterpene and sesquiterpene synthase candidates were identified from N. jatamansi via transcriptome analysis. Five of them were functionally characterized by in vitro reactions and in vivo experiments, including four sesquiterpene synthases and one monoterpene synthase. The structures of their products were determined by NMR analysis and comparison with authentic reference standards and with mass spectra from the NIST Mass Spectral Library. All of these enzymatic products can be found in N. jatamansi. This work lays a foundation for bioproduction of N. jatamansi essential oil.