This enzyme belongs to the family of lyases, specifically those carbon-oxygen lyases acting on phosphates. The systematic name of this enzyme class is ent-copalyl-diphosphate diphosphate-lyase (cyclizing, ent-kaurene-forming). Other names in common use include ent-kaurene synthase B, ent-kaurene synthetase B, ent-copalyl-diphosphate diphosphate-lyase, and (cyclizing). This enzyme participates in diterpenoid biosynthesis.
In Stevia
In Stevia spp., ent-kaurene synthase is a required part of the biosynthesis of steviol.[1][2] Hajihashemi et al., 2013 find that it is involved in the drought stress response and – because it mimics drought stress – paclobutrazol toxicity.[1][2] Both inhbit transcription of steviol glycoside synthesis genes including ent-kaurene synthase.[1][2] This is believed to reduce steviol content in the final plant product.[1][2]
Fall RR, West CA (1971). "Purification and properties of kaurene synthetase from Fusarium moniliforme". J. Biol. Chem. 246 (22): 6913–28. PMID4331199.
Yamaguchi S, Saito T, Abe H, Yamane H, Murofushi N, Kamiya Y (1996). "Molecular cloning and characterization of a cDNA encoding the gibberellin biosynthetic enzyme ent-kaurene synthase B from pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima L.)". Plant J. 10 (2): 203–13. doi:10.1046/j.1365-313X.1996.10020203.x. PMID8771778.
