Project description
Mapping the azafrine saponin pathway in crocus
Crocus sativus L. is typically cultivated for its stigma (saffron), while the corms also contain bioactive azafrine saponins, known for their anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour and immunomodulatory effects. However, our knowledge of the biosynthetic pathway of azafrines in Crocus is limited. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the CroSap project aims to identify and characterise the genes and enzymes involved in the biosynthetic pathway of azafrine saponins via genome and transcriptome mining, phylogenetic and gene expression analysis. It will then functionally characterise the identified genes through combinatorial recombinant expression in both Nicotiana benthamiana and yeast. Finally, it will map the structures of the resulting compounds and test them for possible immunostimulatory activity.
Objective
Crocus sativus L. is an autumn-flowering perennial geophyte (a monocot belonging to the Iridaceae family) that forms underground corms and is rich in apocarotenoids. The key apocarotenoids including crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal present only in the stigmas, define its unique characteristics. It has recently become apparent that crocus corms are also a source of novel oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins (azafrines). However the biosynthetic route to azafrines in crocus is unknown. By understanding these processes, the Osbourn lab seeks to unlock the azafrine biosynthesis pathways in crocus. In the CroSap project, I will conduct the identification and characterization of candidate azafrine biosynthetic pathway genes through genome and transcriptome mining, phylogenetic and gene expression analysis. Identified genes will then be functionally characterised via combinatorial recombinant expression in the transient plant expression host N. benthamiana and in yeast, and the structures of the resulting compounds determined. These compounds will be purified and screened for potential immunostimulatory activity. I will also provide important new insights into the independent/convergent evolution of pathways for structurally related saponins in distantly related plant species Q. saponaria and S. officinalis (eudicots) and C. sativus (a monocot) and identify new enzyme (sub)families for the bioproduction of these pharmacology important compounds and analogues.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins enzymes
- medical and health sciences basic medicine pharmacology and pharmacy
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Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
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Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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NR4 7UH NORWICH
United Kingdom
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