Biosynthesis of cytokinins as small molecule triggers (A03)

• Subject Area: Biological and Biomimetic Chemistry
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 550938463

Pyridoxal phosphate dependent enzymes enable highly selective transformations that drive the biosynthesis of potent small molecule triggers across life. This project investigates the biosynthesis of discadenine, a cytokinin-like trigger that controls key developmental transitions in social amoebae. We aim to elucidate the bifunctional activity of a key enzyme related to aminocyclopropane carboxylate synthases and its ability to activate S-adenosylmethionine for aminocarboxypropyl transfer. In a second step, we will explore evolutionary conservation of this activity in plants, with a focus on Arabidopsis ACS paralogues. The project aims to uncover conserved enzymatic strategies and a potential mechanistic link between cytokinin and ethylene associated triggers.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1756: Chemical and Biological Principles of Cellular Trigger Responses
• Applicant Institution: Universität Konstanz
• Project Head: Professorin Dr. Lena Barra