Ryosuke Munakata

Molecular characterization of a cytochrome P450 involved in the skeletal diversification of tricyclic coumarins in Angelica keiskei.

This study identifies a cytochrome P450 enzyme in Angelica keiskei that determines the skeletal structure of tricyclic coumarins by preferentially forming dihydrofuranocoumarins over unsaturated furanocoumarins.

Biosynthesis of prenylated flavonoids by two membrane-bound prenyltransferases in glandular trichomes of Macaranga tanarius.

This study identifies two prenyltransferase genes in Macaranga tanarius that catalyze the biosynthesis of diverse prenylated flavonoids in glandular trichomes.

A membrane-bound aromatic O-prenyltransferase catalyzes the last reaction step in citrus auraptene biosynthesis

This study identifies CpPT4, a membrane-bound aromatic O-prenyltransferase involved in auraptene biosynthesis in citrus, and shows its functional and evolutionary significance.

First O-demethylation activity in Arabidopsis specialized metabolism resolves the missing step in esculetin biosynthesis

The paper identifies the first O-demethylation reaction in Arabidopsis specialized metabolism, resolving the missing step in esculetin biosynthesis and showing its role in iron acquisition.

Molecular evolution of terpene synthase underlying the diversification of isoprene emission in Fagaceae

The paper investigates the molecular evolution of terpene synthase genes in Fagaceae, revealing convergent evolution of isoprene synthase activity in two lineages within subgenus Quercus.

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing reveals the involvement of a polyphenol oxidase in the shikonin-specific biosynthesis in Lithospermum erythrorhizon

The paper uses CRISPR/Cas9 to edit the LePPO1 gene in Lithospermum erythrorhizon, showing it is involved in shikonin biosynthesis and explains the role of copper in the process.

An aromatic substrate prenyltransferase involved in the chemical diversification of flavonoids in Glycyrrhiza glabra

The paper identifies a new prenyltransferase in Glycyrrhiza glabra that catalyzes diverse flavonoid prenylations, expanding known enzymatic pathways for isoflavonoid biosynthesis.

Molecular basis behind the isoprene emission diversity in Fagaceae

The paper identifies the IspS gene responsible for isoprene emission in Quercus serrata and shows functional differences in related genes from non-emitting species.

Parallel evolution of UbiA superfamily proteins into aromatic O-prenyltransferases in plants

The paper identifies two aromatic O-prenyltransferase genes from distant plant species, showing parallel evolution of UbiA superfamily proteins into O-PTs.