Website Research Unit BBV

Besseau S, Durand M, Zamar DL, Lezin E, Méteignier LV, Birer Williams C, Dutilleul C, Perrot T, Lanoue A, Oudin A, Papon N, Massiot G, Sun C, St-Pierre B, Courdavault V. Evolution of CYP71D drives the diversification of monoterpene indole alkaloid biosynthesis in Gentianales. Plant Commun. 2025 May 19:101381. doi: 10.1016/j.xplc.2025.101381.

As part of the MIACYC project, a major breakthrough has been made in understanding the enzymatic mechanisms responsible for the synthesis of monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIAs), valuable compounds with various pharmacological applications. Through combined transcriptomic analyses of the epidermis and leaves of Alstonia scholaris, enhanced by the overexpression of the transcriptional regulator MYC2, our teams identified a key enzyme: geissoschizine cyclase.

Lezin E, Papon N, Courdavault V. A t Commun. 2024 Dec 3:101201. doi: 10.1016/j.xplc.2024.101201.

This article explores how monoterpene indole alkaloids (MIAs), plant compounds with medicinal properties, could be harnessed for drug production. The researchers sequenced the genome of Tabernaemontana elegans to uncover genes linked to the synthesis of pachysiphine, an MIA with anticancer and anti-Alzheimer potential. By identifying key enzymes and engineering MIA production in yeast, this study opens the door to new biotechnological approaches for producing pachysiphine-based pharmaceuticals.