Structural studies of codeinone reductase reveal novel insights into aldo-keto reductase function in benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis.

ABSTRACT: Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs) are a class of specialized metabolites with a diverse range of chemical structures and physiological effects. Codeine and morphine are two closely related BIAs with particularly useful analgesic properties. The aldo-keto reductase (AKR) codeinone reductase (COR) catalyzes the final and penultimate steps in the biosynthesis of codeine and morphine, respectively, in opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). However, the structural determinants that mediate substrate recognition and catalysis are not well defined. Here, we describe the crystal structure of apo-COR determined to a resolution of 2.4 Å by molecular replacement using chalcone reductase as a search model. Structural comparisons of COR to closely related plant AKRs and more distantly related homologues r

SUBMITTER: Carr SC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8524200 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature