PLoS One. 2017 Mar 29;12(3):e0173911. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173911. eCollection 2017.
- 1
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, East Mall, Vancouver, B.C., Canada, V6T 1Z4.
- 2
- Anandia Laboratories, Lower Mall, Vancouver, B.C., Canada, V6T 1Z4.
- 3
- Botany Department, University of British Columbia, University Blvd, Vancouver, B.C., V6T 1Z4.
Abstract
Cannabis (Cannabis sativa) plants
produce and accumulate a terpene-rich resin in glandular trichomes,
which are abundant on the surface of the female inflorescence. Bouquets
of different monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes are important components of
cannabis resin as they define some of the unique organoleptic
properties and may also influence medicinal
qualities of different cannabis strains and varieties. Transcriptome
analysis of trichomes of the cannabis hemp variety 'Finola' revealed
sequences of all stages of terpene biosynthesis. Nine cannabis terpene
synthases (CsTPS) were identified in subfamilies TPS-a and TPS-b.
Functional characterization identified mono- and sesqui-TPS, whose
products collectively comprise most of the terpenes of 'Finola' resin,
including major compounds such as β-myrcene, (E)-β-ocimene,
(-)-limonene, (+)-α-pinene, β-caryophyllene, and α-humulene. Transcripts
associated with terpene biosynthesis are highly expressed in trichomes
compared to non-resin producing tissues. Knowledge of the CsTPS gene
family may offer opportunities for selection and improvement of terpene
profiles of interest in different cannabis strains and varieties.
