Dissertation
Molecular analysis of the medicinally significant plant Fontainea picrosperma (Euphorbiaceae) with insights into the diterpenoid biosynthesis pathway
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2021
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00098
Abstract
Euphorbiaceae is a large and diverse family of herbs, shrubs and trees that includes species of considerable economic importance as sources of food, cosmetics and medicines. One member of this family, Fontainea picrosperma, is the source plant for the diterpene ester tigilanol tiglate (EBC-46), a natural product that is of particular current interest due to its effectiveness as a local treatment for a range of cancers in humans and companion animals. Recently, EBC-46 was approved by regulatory authorities in Europe and the USA as a veterinary pharmaceutical for the treatment of non-metastatic canine mast cell tumours. Prior to this PhD study, there was no information regarding the molecular biosynthesis of EBC-46. This was likely due to: (1) the absence of gene information within Fontainea species, (2) little understanding of the location (tissue) of EBC-46 production, (3) a general lack of understanding into the biosynthesis of related tigliane diterpene esters, and (4) no existing transgenic plant gene expression system at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC). The goal of this PhD project was to significantly expand knowledge of the genes present and used by F. picrosperma, and specifically those involved in the biosynthesis of tigliane esters such EBC-46. This data will provide an excellent resource for subsequent functional investigations and ultimately establish large scale microbial platforms devoted to the production of EBC-46.
Details
- Title
- Molecular analysis of the medicinally significant plant Fontainea picrosperma (Euphorbiaceae) with insights into the diterpenoid biosynthesis pathway
- Authors
- Shahida Akter Mitu
- Contributors
- Steven Ogbourne (Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, GeneCology Research Centre - Legacy
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00098
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Biomedicine; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Centre for Bioinnovation
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99583108702621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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