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.