Cloning, expression characteristics of a new FPS gene from birch (Betula platyphylla suk.) and functional identification in triterpenoid synthesis

•BpFPS was first cloned in Betula platyphylla Suk from Northeast China.•The expression of BpFPS in birch leaves and bark was induced and regulated by MeJA and SA.•The promoter sequence of BpFPS was cloned with multiple cis acting elements.•Expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae increases squalene content.•Overexpression of BpFPS increases triterpenoid content in Betula platyphylla Suk.