HomeIngredientThe terminal enzymatic step in piperine biosynthesis is co-localized with the product piperine in specialized cells of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.)

The terminal enzymatic step in piperine biosynthesis is co-localized with the product piperine in specialized cells of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.)

August 20, 2022

Plant J. 2022 May 30. doi: 10.1111/tpj.15847. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Piperine (1-piperoyl-piperidine) is responsible for the pungent perception of dried black pepper (Piper nigrum) fruits and essentially contributes to the aromatic properties of this spice in combination with a blend of terpenoids. The final step in piperine biosynthesis involves piperine synthase that catalyzes the reaction of piperoyl CoA and piperidine to the biologically active and pungent amide. Nevertheless, experimental data on the cellular localization of piperine and the complete biosynthetic pathway are missing. Co-localization of enzymes and products, but also potential transport of piperamides to the sink organs are possible alternative. This work that includes purification of the native enzyme, immunolocalization, laser microdissection, fluorescence microscopy, and electron microscopy combined with LC-ESI/MS provides experimental evidence that piperine and piperine synthase are co-localized in specialized cells of the black pepper fruit perisperm. Piperine synthase accumulates during early stages of fruit development and declines before the fruits are fully mature. The product piperine is co-localized to piperine synthase and can be monitored at the cellular level by its strong bluish fluorescence. Rising piperine levels during fruit maturation are consistent with increasing numbers of fluorescent cells within the perisperm. Signal intensities of individual laser-dissected cells when monitored by ESI-LC/MS indicate molar concentrations of this alkaloid. Significant levels of piperine and additional piperamides were also detected in cells distributed in the cortex of black pepper roots. In summary, the data provide comprehensive experimental evidence and insights on cell-specific biosynthesis and storage of piperidine alkaloids, specific and characteristic for the Piperaceae.

PMID:35634755 | DOI:10.1111/tpj.15847

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Patrick Blanchard MD

Meet Dr. Blanchard Dr. Blanchard’s medical practice is an embodiment of Integrative health which brings conventional and complementary approaches together in a coordinated way. Conveniently located in sunny Florida and over the internet with ValiseMD’s secure HIPPA compliant telXmed servers. Since 1994, patients with a wide range of challenging medical problems have achieved optimum health using the best of natural medicine, judiciously combined with high-tech innovations. Breakthroughs are often achieved even after patients have consulted mainstream specialists and holistic practitioners. Dr. Blanchard is founder and CEO of ValiseMD, Inc. He is board certified in Family Medicine since 1994 and awarded Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians in 2001. He received the ‘Teacher of the Year’ award from the University of Kansas School of Medicine at completion of his residency in Family Medicine. He completed a fellowship at Wake Forest University in the field of vascular neurosonology. He holds a medical patent in the field of Gastroenterology. He holds an unrestricted license to practice medicine and surgery in Florida. He started his medical career as a Emergency Medical Technician, then as a Paramedic and later a Medical Doctor.