This Research Topic has been developed in collaboration with the Phytochemical Society of North America.

Proanthocyanidins (PAs) and Isoflavonoids (IFs) are the two main groups of flavonoids. Dr. Richard A. Dixon is one of the pioneers in these two topics. More information on his background is available on the Research Topic "Biosynthesis and Metabolic Engineering of Living Stocks (Lignin) for Biofuels". His laboratory has contributed numerous fundamental discoveries and innovations in biosynthesis and metabolic engineering of PAs and IFs. Some of the main findings in PAs include the anthocyanidin reductase (ANR) pathway and polymerization of PAs, dual functions of ANR, novel activities of leucoanthocyanidin dioxygenase and reductase, roles of catechin and epicatechin in polymerization, precursors of extension units, metabolic engineering, and others. Some of the main discoveries and innovations in IFs include the elucidation of biosynthetic pathways, structural biology, enzymology, genetic regulation, enzyme structures, and metabolic engineering.

On behalf of the Phytochemical Society of North America, this Research Topic aims to bring new findings and discussions to celebrate Dr. Dixon’s retirement and to honor his outstanding contributions to proanthocyanidins (PAs) and isoflavonoids. Meanwhile, we also hope to expand the knowledge in the biosynthesis and metabolic engineering of these two group compounds. Recent findings reported new functions of ANR, leucoanthocyanidin reductase, and anthocyanidin synthase in the formation of PAs in model plants and crops and proposed new mechanisms of PA polymerization and regulation. New research in these areas will enhance the understanding of polymerization and regulation mechanisms. Enzyme structures and regulations that were recently studied have provided insight into the biosynthesis of isoflavonoids in plants. We also hope to find advances in genes, enzyme structures, synthetic biology, and genetic regulation, which will be fundamental to further improve the knowledge of the biosynthesis of isoflavonoids for metabolic engineering.

We expect to collect manuscripts focusing on the following topics:

1. Biosynthesis and metabolic engineering of proanthocyanidins and isoflavonoids
2. Roles of proanthocyanidins and isoflavonoids in plant resilience
3. Subcellular transportation of proanthocyanidins and isoflavonoids
4. Ecological significance and health benefits of proanthocyanidins and isoflavonoids
5. Translational investigations of the biosynthesis of proanthocyanidins and isoflavonoids

Contributors are encouraged to submit original research, method articles, mini reviews, and review articles.

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Frontiers in Plant Science

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