Alisdair R. Fernie

Nov 27, 2024 | nature.com | Alisdair R. Fernie |Youjun Zhang

AbstractPaclitaxel rapidly became one of the most effective anticancer drugs. However, the production of paclitaxel is hindered by substantial challenges, particularly considering the significant quantities of drug required and the inherently low concentration of paclitaxel and its intermediates in plants. Paclitaxel is currently produced in a so-called semi-synthesis in which baccatin III is extracted from Taxus species and chemically converted to paclitaxel.

Feb 6, 2024 | cell.com | Fang Liu |Alisdair R. Fernie |Youjun Zhang

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Jan 2, 2024 | nature.com | Cathie Martin |Alisdair R. Fernie

AbstractBiofortification was first proposed in the early 1990s as a low-cost, sustainable strategy to enhance the mineral and vitamin contents of staple food crops to address micronutrient malnutrition. Since then, the concept and remit of biofortification has burgeoned beyond staples and solutions for low- and middle-income economies.

Apr 17, 2023 | cell.com | Youjun Zhang |Alisdair R. Fernie

In plants, uridine diphosphate (UDP)-dependent glycosyltransferases (UGTs) catalyze glycosylation of secondary metabolites, but assigning physiological functions to UGTs is still a daunting task. The recent study of Wu et al . presents a useful method to resolve this problem by elegantly combining modification-specific metabolomics with isotope tracing.

Mar 3, 2023 | cell.com | Marek Mutwil |Nanyang Technological |Alisdair R. Fernie

The ANIP1-OsWRKY62 module regulates both basal defense and Pi9-mediated immunity against Magnaporthe oryzae in rice