C. Paetz

Phenylphenalenones and Linear Diarylheptanoid Derivatives are Biosynthesized via Parallel Routes in Musella lasiocarpa, the Chinese Dwarf Banana

The paper identifies biosynthetic genes and pathways for phenylphenalenones and linear diarylheptanoid derivatives in Musella lasiocarpa using transcriptomics and biochemical assays.

Recycling upstream redox enzymes expands the regioselectivity of cycloaddition in pseudo-aspidosperma alkaloid biosynthesis

The paper shows that redox enzymes can alter the regioselectivity of cycloaddition reactions in alkaloid biosynthesis, enabling the formation of pseudo-aspidosperma alkaloids.

Expansion of the Catalytic Repertoire of Alcohol Dehydrogenases in Plant Metabolism

The paper reports the crystal structure of an ADH enzyme that catalyzes a non-canonical 1,4 reduction, providing insights into how plant ADHs diversify their catalytic functions.

A beta-glucosidase of an insect herbivore determines both toxicity and deterrence of a dandelion defense metabolite

The paper shows that an insect beta-glucosidase metabolizes a dandelion defense compound, reducing its toxicity and altering herbivore feeding preference.

Two bi-functional cytochrome P450 CYP72 enzymes from olive (Olea europaea) catalyze the oxidative C-C bond cleavage in the biosynthesis of secoxy-iridoids - flavor and quality determinants in olive oil

This study identifies two bi-functional CYP72 enzymes in olive that catalyze oxidative C-C bond cleavage in secoxy-iridoid biosynthesis, revealing a secologanin-independent pathway and linking domestication to gene expression.

A cytochrome P450 from juvenile mustard leaf beetles hydroxylates geraniol, a key step in iridoid biosynthesis

This paper identifies and characterizes CYP6BH5 as the geraniol 8-hydroxylase in leaf beetles, showing its role in iridoid biosynthesis and substrate promiscuity.

Gut microbiota of the pine weevil degrades conifer diterpenes and increases insect fitness

This study shows that the gut microbiota of the pine weevil degrades conifer diterpenes, enhancing insect fitness by improving diet nutritional value rather than detoxification.