From tryptophan to gramine: A journey into the mysterious transformation of biocatalysis

As a natural alkaloid found extensively in cereal crops, gramine not only plays a crucial role in protecting barley and other grasses from various pests, but also reduces palatability for ruminants. Scientists are trying to figure out how gramine gets into cereal plants: is it inherently present or transformed through a special process? The latest study published in Science by Sara Leite Dias and co-authors, provides a detailed explanation. The starting point of the transformation is identified, and the transformation process is confirmed through rigorous experiments. • The process of conversion of tryptophan to gramine in cereal crops was described in detail, and each step of conversion was verified by experiment and intermediates were determined. • The important position of indole skeleton in natural alkaloids was discussed. • The starting point of the transformation is identified through rigorous experiments.