Research Progress on the Biosynthesis of Terpenoids in Melaleuca alternifolia

Using a systematic literature review,we synthesized current knowledge on the chemotaxonomy,biosynthetic precursors and key genes,terpenoid skeleton formation,and post-modification by associated transcription factors in this species. The results showed that the terpenoids of Melaleuca alternifolia were mainly synthesized via the MEP pathway. Its chemotype differences were determined by a co-regulation mechanism driven by four core TPS genes(MaltTPS020,MaltTPS021,MaltTPS023 and MaltTPS025) and the tandem duplication of TPS family genes. Transcription factors such as CYP450 and MYB,were involved in regulating the diversity of terpenoids by controlling the expression or activity of terpenoid synthases. Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the terpene biosynthesis pathway in Melaleuca alternifolia provided a theoretical basis for subsequent gene function identification,screening of high-value chemotypes(terpinen-4-ol type),and research on molecular improvement of related plants.