Elucidating the enzyme network driving Amaryllidaceae alkaloids biosynthesis in Leucojum aestivum.

ABSTRACT: Amaryllidaceae alkaloids (AAs) are diverse bioactive metabolites with significant pharmaceutical potential, derived from 4'-O-methylnorbelladine (4'OM). The biosynthesis of these compounds involves the condensation of tyramine and 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde by norbelladine synthase (NBS) and/or noroxomaritidine/norcraugsodine reductase (NR), followed by O-methylation. Cytochrome P450 enzymes, particularly the CYP96T family, introduce further structural diversity through C-C couplings, resulting in lycorine, galanthamine and crinine cores. Despite their importance, the exact biosynthetic pathways remain poorly defined. In this study, we describe key enzymes from Leucojum aestivum (La), providing crucial insight into AA biosynthesis. Transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana demonstrated

SUBMITTER: Lamichhane B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12120901 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature