A step forward in our understanding of how plants produce alkaloids could herald new pharmaceuticals. Biologists from the University of York (UK) have discovered enzymes that catalyze the biosynthesis of alkaloids in a number of plant species. In doing so, they have identified a surprising similarity to bacteria and potentially opened the door to novel ways of making medicines. Plant alkaloids are specialized, nitrogen-containing metabolites derived from amino acids, which can be incorporated in a symmetric or nonsymmetric manner. The compounds typically have strong pharmacologic activity, making up a key part of plants’ chemical arsenals, and as such, have great therapeutic potential. Common examples include nicotine, caffeine and morphine. Casting light on the biosynthesis of alkaloids can boost the production of valuable pharmaceuticals; however, to date, no enzymes responsible for nonsymmetric alkaloid biosynthesis have been described. This new research changes that. While investigating the biosynthesis of the alkaloid securinine in a plant called Flueggea suffruticosa, researchers discovered an enzyme capable of catalyzing an early step in this process: the nonsymmetric formation of piperideine from lysine. Pet flea treatments may spell bad news for creepy-crawly communities Common pet flea and tick drugs may be contaminating the environment, posing a particular risk to scavenging insects. Transcriptomic analysis and enzyme characterization, including mutagenesis and isotope labeling, identified the enzyme encoded by F. suffruticosa gene 1864 (Fs1864). It’s part of the ornithine/lysine/arginine decarboxy-oxidase family, which is usually associated with prokaryotes. The researchers demonstrated that enzymes in this family are widespread in plants, hinting that…
