PatDREB Transcription Factor Activates Patchoulol Synthase Gene Promoter and Positively Regulates Jasmonate-Induced Patchoulol Biosynthesis

Abstract

The production of patchoulol in the patchouli (<i>Pogostemon cablin</i>) plant determines its application value, as it is the principal active sesquiterpene of essential oil extracted from this plant. Here, the promoter of patchoulol synthase gene (<i>PatPTS</i>_pro) was isolated and found to be methyl jasmonate (MeJA)-induced. A nucleus-localized AP2/ERF transcription factor PatDREB was identified as a transcription activator binding to <i>PatPTS</i>_pro, regulating patchoulol biosynthesis through modulating the gene expression. PatDREB also interacts with jasmonate ZIM-domain 4 (JAZ4). Furthermore, PatDREB could physically interact with the MYB-related transcription factor PatSWC4 and synergistically facilitate patchoulol biosynthesis. However, the transcriptional activation activity of the PatDREB-PatSWC4 complex could be inhibited by PatJAZ4, and JA could reverse this interference. Overall, we demonstrated the positive roles of PatDREB and the PatDREB-PatSWC4 complex in regulating patchoulol production, which advance our understanding of the regulatory network of patchoulol biosynthesis.