Isolation and bacterial expression of a sesquiterpene synthase cDNA clone from peppermint (Mentha x piperita, L.) that produces the aphid alarm pheromone (E)-β-farnesene

A cDNA encoding (E)-β-farnesene synthase from peppermint ( Mentha piperita ) has been isolated and sequenced, and the corresponding amino acid sequence has been determined. Accordingly, an isolated DNA sequence (SEQ ID NO:1) is provided which codes for the expression of (E)-β-farnesene synthase (SEQ ID NO:2), from peppermint ( Mentha piperita ). In other aspects, replicable recombinant cloning vehicles are provided which code for (E)-β-farnesene synthase, or for a base sequence sufficiently complementary to at least a portion of (E)-β-farnesene synthase DNA or RNA to enable hybridization therewith. In yet other aspects, modified host cells are provided that have been transformed, transfected, infected and/or injected with a recombinant cloning vehicle and/or DNA sequence encoding (E)-β-farnesene synthase. Thus, systems and methods are provided for the recombinant expression of the aforementioned recombinant (E)-β-famesene synthase that may be used to facilitate its production, isolation and purification in significant amounts. Recombinant (E)-β-farnesene synthase may be used to obtain expression or enhanced expression of (E)-β-famesene synthase in plants in order to enhance the production of (E)-β-farnesene, or may be otherwise employed for the regulation or expression of (E)-β-farnesene synthase, or the production of its product.