Proanthocyanidins and Isoflavonoids

Book excerpt: 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.