Søren Bak

Glycosylation-dependent Turnover of Triterpenoid Saponins Controls Insect Deterrence

The paper shows that insect herbivores modify saponin structures through deglycosylation, altering their defensive properties and demonstrating that glycosylation patterns directly determine saponin activity.

Degradation of biopesticidal triterpenoid saponins by the soil bacterium Arthrobacter sp. α-11c

This study isolates Arthrobacter sp. 11c, which fully degrades hederagenin-based saponins within six hours, revealing unique glycosidase gene clusters involved in saponin metabolism.

A genomic and functional framework for the rapid domestication of the wild plant Chenopodium album

This study identifies the genomic and biochemical basis of saponin variation in Chenopodium album, providing a foundation for its domestication as a high-protein crop.

Metabolic Engineering Reveals LUP5 as a Determinant of Saponin Composition and Insect Resistance in Barbarea vulgaris

This study identifies LUP5 as a key gene determining saponin composition and insect resistance in Barbarea vulgaris through metabolic engineering and promoter analysis.

Sterols govern membrane susceptibility to saponin-induced lysis

This study shows that different sterol classes affect saponin-induced membrane lysis, with zoosterols and mycosterols increasing susceptibility while phytosterols provide resistance.

Gene loss associated with plasticity-first evolution in Heliconius butterflies

The paper traces the evolution of cyanogenic glucoside biosynthesis in Heliconius butterflies, showing gene loss and duplication linked to plasticity-first evolution and specialization in sequestration.