Noncatalytic chalcone isomerase-fold proteins in Humulus lupulus are auxiliary components in prenylated flavonoid biosynthesis

Abstract Here, we identify two noncatalytic chalcone isomerase-fold proteins, which are critical for high-efficiency prenylchalcone production in Humulus lupulus. Our results provide insights into their evolutionary development from the ancestral noncatalytic fatty acid-binding chalcone isomerase-fold proteins to specialized auxiliary proteins supporting flavonoid biosynthesis in plants, and open up the possibility of producing high-value plant prenylchalcones using heterologous systems. Article type: Research Article Keywords: chalcone isomerase-like, chalcone synthase, flavonoid, trichome Authors: Zhaonan Ban, Hao Qin, Andrew J. Mitchell, Baoxiu Liu, Fengxia