Regiospecific hydroxylase and O-methyltransferase for the biosynthesis of anticancer alkaloids in Tabernaemontana elegans (toad tree).

Monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIAs) are a structurally diverse class natural products with significant medicinal properties. Bis-MIAs, such as chemotherapeutic vinblastine and anti-autophagic conodurine, are synthesized through enzymatic coupling of monomeric MIAs, often requiring specific modifications to activate reactive centers. In this study, we report the identification and characterization of a regiospecific enzyme pair, coronaridine 11-hydroxylase (TeC11H) and 11-hydroxycoronaridine O-methyltransferase (TeHCOMT), from Tabernaemontana elegans (toad tree).