Research Group Biosynthesis/NMR
Main Research Focus
The biosynthesis / NMR group is in charge of the NMR laboratory of the institute. Three NMR spectrometers are available for self service, for assisting other groups and departments of the institute with NMR measurements, and for independent NMR-based projects. Our research focuses on structure elucidation of ecologically relevant low-molecular secondary metabolites from plants and other organisms, investigations on the tissue- and cell-specific occurrence of natural products, and on stable isotope labeling studies of biosynthetic and metabolic pathways. In particular, we are interested in the detection of biosynthetic intermediates in vivo by cryogenic NMR spectroscopy or HPLC-NMR coupling.
Major projects encompass the following classes of plant secondary metabolites:
- Phenylphenalenones, a group of unusual phenylpropanoid-derived phytoalexins and plant pigments occurring in the Haemodoraceae, Musacea, and the Pontederiaceae families;
- Salicinoids from Populus species;
- Nudicaulins, a group of indole-phenylpropanoid hybrid alkaloids from Island poppy (Papaver nudicaule).
Further NMR-based projects on plant defense natural products and signaling compounds are carried out in collaboration with other departments of the institute and external partners.

Group Leader: Dr. Christian Paetz
+49 (0) 3641 57 1600
E-mail
Research Topics in the Biosynthesis/NMR Group
Natural product analysis and metabolic studies
Phenylphenalenones and diarylheptanoids – biosynthesis and ecological functions
Nudicaulins – indole-phenylpropanoid hybrid alkaloids from Island poppy
NMR-based micrometabolic profiling of plant cells
Salicinoids – phytochemistry and metabolism in insects
