PatDREB Transcription Factor Activates Patchoulol Synthase Gene Promoter and Positively Regulates Jasmonate-Induced Patchoulol Biosynthesis

The production of patchoulol in the patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) plant determines its application value, as it is the principal active sesquiterpene of essential oil extracted from this plant. Here, the promoter of patchoulol synthase gene (PatPTS pro) was isolated and found to be methyl jasmonate (MeJA)-induced. A nucleus-localized AP2/ERF transcription factor PatDREB was identified as a transcription activator binding to PatPTS pro, regulating patchoulol biosynthesis through modulating the gene expression. PatDREB also interacts with jasmonate ZIM-domain 4 (JAZ4). Furthermore, PatDREB could physically interact with the MYB-related transcription factor PatSWC4 and synergistically facilitate patchoulol biosynthesis. However, the transcriptional activation activity of the PatDREB-PatSWC4 complex could be inhibited by PatJAZ4, and JA could reverse this interference. Overall, we demonstrated the positive roles of PatDREB and the PatDREB-PatSWC4 complex in regulating patchoulol production, which advance our understanding of the regulatory network of patchoulol biosynthesis.