The scaffold-forming steps of plant alkaloid biosynthesis

Alkaloids from plants are characterised by structural diversity and bioactivity, and maintain a privileged position in both modern and traditional medicines. In recent years, there have been significant advances in elucidating the biosynthetic origins of plant alkaloids. In this review, I will describe the progress made in determining the metabolic origins of the so-called true alkaloids, specialised metabolites derived from amino acids containing a nitrogen heterocycle. By identifying key biosynthetic steps that feature in the majority of pathways, I highlight the key roles played by modifications to primary metabolism, iminium reactivity and spontaneous reactions in the molecular and evolutionary origins of these pathways.

Automated summary

Alkaloids from plants, known for their structural diversity and bioactivity, hold a privileged position in both modern and traditional medicines. Recent research has made significant progress in elucidating the biosynthetic origins of plant alkaloids. This review focuses on the metabolic origins of true alkaloids, specialized metabolites derived from amino acids with a nitrogen heterocycle, highlighting the key roles played by modifications to primary metabolism, iminium reactivity, and spontaneous reactions in the molecular and evolutionary origins of these pathways.