Bifunctional CYP81AA proteins catalyse identical hydroxylations but alternative regioselective phenol couplings in plant xanthone biosynthesis

Abstract

Xanthones are pharmacologically and biosynthetically intriguing compounds. Here, the authors identify two cytochrome P450 enzymes, which hydroxylate and cyclize the benzophenone precursor to either 1,3,7- or 1,3,5-trihydroxyxanthones, and pinpoint residues that determine the alternative regioselectivities.