StilbeneSynthasen

StilbeneSynthase (STS) is a plant enzyme belonging to the chalcone synthase (CHS) superfamily. Its primary function is the biosynthesis of stilbenes, a class of phenolic compounds found in plants. STS catalyzes the condensation of one molecule of 4-coumaroyl-CoA with three molecules of malonyl-CoA to form resveratrol, a well-known stilbene with antioxidant and potentially health-promoting properties. However, STS can also produce other stilbenes depending on the plant species and the specific substrate availability.

The enzyme is found in various plant families, including Vitaceae (grape family), Fabaceae (legume family), and Pinaceae (pine family). The expression of STS is often induced by biotic and abiotic stress, such as fungal infections, UV radiation, and mechanical wounding. This suggests that stilbenes produced by STS play a role in plant defense mechanisms, acting as phytoalexins.

The gene encoding STS has been isolated and characterized from several plant species. Understanding the structure and function of STS is crucial for research in plant biochemistry, molecular biology, and the development of strategies for enhancing stilbene production in crops. This could have implications for the food industry and the pharmaceutical sector, given the potential health benefits of stilbenes like resveratrol. Research continues to explore the catalytic mechanisms, regulatory pathways, and evolutionary history of stilbene synthases.