Oxidation of Monolignols by Members of the Berberine Bridge Enzyme Family Suggests a Role in Plant Cell Wall Metabolism*

Abstract Background: Berberine bridge enzyme-like proteins are a multigene family in plants. Results: Members of the berberine bridge enzyme-like family were identified as monolignol oxidoreductases. Conclusion: Berberine bridge enzyme-like enzymes play a role in monolignol metabolism and lignin formation. Significance: Our results indicate a novel and unexpected role of berberine bridge enzyme-like enzymes in plant biochemistry and physiology. Article type: Research Article Keywords: Arabidopsis thaliana, enzyme catalysis, flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), flavoprotein, plant biochemistry Authors: Bastian Daniel, Tea Pavkov-Keller, Barbara