A5073280525- Phytochemical compounds biological activities
- Natural product bioactivities and synthesis
- Plant biochemistry and biosynthesis
- Traditional and Medicinal Uses of Annonaceae
- Plant tissue culture and regeneration
- Transgenic Plants and Applications
- Plant and Biological Electrophysiology Studies
- Animal and Plant Science Education
- Cocoa and Sweet Potato Agronomy
- Olfactory and Sensory Function Studies
- Plant Parasitism and Resistance
- Microbial Natural Products and Biosynthesis
- Phytochemistry and Bioactivity Studies
- Glycosylation and Glycoproteins Research
Norwich Research Park
2019-2024
John Innes Centre
2019-2024
Triterpenes with complex scaffold modifications are widespread in the plant kingdom. Limonoids an exemplary family that responsible for bitter taste citrus (e.g., limonin) and active constituents of neem oil, a widely used bioinsecticide azadirachtin). Despite commercial value limonoids, complete biosynthetic route has not been described. We report discovery 22 enzymes, including pair neofunctionalized sterol isomerases, catalyze 12 distinct reactions total biosynthesis kihadalactone A...
Abstract QS-21 is a potent vaccine adjuvant currently sourced by extraction from the Chilean soapbark tree. It key component of human vaccines for shingles, malaria, coronavirus disease 2019 and others under development. The structure consists glycosylated triterpene scaffold coupled to complex 18-carbon acyl chain that critical immunostimulant activity. We previously identified early pathway steps needed make glycoside scaffold; however, biosynthetic route chain, which stimulation T cell...
Limonoids are natural products made by plants belonging to the Meliaceae (Mahogany) and Rutaceae (Citrus) families. They well known for their insecticidal activity, contribution bitterness in citrus fruits, potential pharmaceutical properties. The best limonoid insecticide is azadirachtin, produced neem tree ( Azadirachta indica ). Despite intensive investigation of limonoids over last half century, route biosynthesis remains unknown. classified as tetranortriterpenes because prototypical...
Abstract Soapwort ( Saponaria officinalis ) is a flowering plant from the Caryophyllaceae family with long history of human use as traditional source soap. Its detergent properties are because production polar compounds (saponins), which oleanane-based triterpenoid saponins, saponariosides A and B, major components. saponins have anticancer also interest endosomal escape enhancers for targeted tumor therapies. Intriguingly, these share common structural features vaccine adjuvant QS-21 and,...
The furan ring is a defining feature of limonoids, class highly rearranged and bioactive plant tetranortriterpenoids. We recently reported an apparent complete biosynthetic pathway to these important natural furanoids. Herein, we disclose the subsequent discovery yield-boosting "missing link" carboxylesterase that selectively deprotects late-stage intermediate, so triggering more efficient biosynthesis. This has allowed, for first time, isolation structural elucidation unknown intermediates,...
Social Impact Statement Plants are rich sources of drugs and other high‐value chemicals that used by humans. Many the plant species produce important molecules grow in remote locations have extensive histories indigenous use. Global concerns about sustainable supply some cases led to development alternative methods for production using biotechnological approaches. Consideration responsible stewardship use world's plants associated traditional knowledge greater human good at heart Convention...
Abstract Triterpenes with complex scaffold modifications are widespread in plants yet little is known regarding biosynthesis. Limonoids an exemplary family that includes the bitter taste citrus (e.g., limonin) and active constituents neem oil, a widely used bioinsecticide azadirachtin). Despite limonoid commercial value, complete biosynthetic route has not been described. Here, we report discovery of 22 enzymes catalyze 12 unique reactions including 4-carbon scission furan installation...