Functional Characterization of Sesquiterpene Synthases and P450 Enzymes in for Biosynthesis of Spiro [4.5] Decane Terpene.

, a popular edible mushroom, contains sesquiterpenes with potential health benefits. We characterized 12 sesquiterpene synthases and one P450 enzyme in using as a heterologous expression system, culminating in the biosynthesis of 16 distinct sesquiterpene compounds. An enzyme encoded by the gene responsible for the synthesis of the spiro [4.5] decane compound axenol was discovered, and the mechanism of spirocycle formation was elucidated through quantum mechanical calculations. Furthermore, we delineated the role of a P450 enzyme colocated with AxeB in producing the novel compound 3-oxo-axenol. Our findings highlight the diverse array of sesquiterpene skeletons and functional groups biosynthesized by these enzymes in and underscore the effectiveness of the system as a heterologous host for expressing genes in the Basidiomycota genome. These insights into the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds in have significant implications for functional food and drug development.