The AETX files: Resolution of bald eagle fatalities
This March, the discovery of the toxic natural substance Aetokthonotoxin (AETX) attracted huge media attention. In a study published in Science, pharmacists of Halle University proved the role of this substance in triggering mass species extinctions among American bald eagles. Now, chemists at the Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry have broken new ground in completely synthesizing Aetokthonotoxin. Published in Chemistry Europe //>> IPB Press Release
News Ticker Science
Enigmatic Transcription Factor
Glandular trichomes on tomato leaves produce a variety of volatile terpenes that play an important role in defense against pathogens and insect pests. The central enzymes in this scenario are the terpene synthases, whose regulation is poorly studied so far. IPB scientists have now found a transcription factor that influences the expression of the synthases in a puzzling pattern. Published in The Plant Journal//>> Read more
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Mix the sequences! Producing coveted enzymes in yeast
Non-specific peroxygenases (UPOs) can hydroxylate various substrates and are therefore interesting as biocatalysts for industrial syntheses. IPB scientists have developed a modular secretion system that facilitates UPO production in yeast. Published in Communications Biology // >> Read more In addition, the enzyme experts designed a promoter shuffling system that ensures high yields of the expressed enzymes. Published in ACS Synthetic Biology// >> Read more
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On the track of black pepper's pungency
The black pepper project at IPB is moving forward with great success. The biochemists of the Department Cell and Metabolic Biology have now succeeded in elucidating the crucial and final step of piperine biosynthesis in black pepper. Published in Communications Biology//>> Read more
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New anticancer compounds: Tin for the win
Although it causes side effects, cisplatin is currently the drug of choice for fighting tumors. IPB scientists have synthesized new organotin(IV) complexes that are effective without platinum. Published in Molecules// >> Read more Also, ruthenium complexes are being discussed as an alternative to cisplatin. For these potential anticancer agents, the Halle chemists have constructed a drug delivery system for a selective transport of bioactives to the malignant tissue. Published in Pharmaceutics// >> Read more
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Wild and cultivated potatoes produce different defenses
In contrast to susceptible cultivated potatoes, wild potatoes are often resistant to late blight. In order to identify the differences in defense metabolite production, IPB scientists have now performed a comprehensive metabolite profiling of a wild and a cultivated potato species. Published in Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry// >> Read more
Events
Cuban Ambassador visits the IPB
The Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba, Ramón Ripoll Díaz, and the Embassy Counselor for Scientific and Academic Affairs visited the institute on June 7, 2021, to learn more about GLACIER, the novel DAAD project on the German-Latin American Health Center for Infection and Pandemic Research. >> Read more
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Great success: Leibniz Plant Biochemistry Symposium 2021
The 6th Leibniz Plant Biochemistry Symposium took place this year for the first time as an online event. About 300 participants from 30 countries followed the symposium, which had its focus on plant cell walls this time. At the end of the day, the symposium received consistently high marks: 91% of the guests rated the event positively and plan to attend again next year. >> Read more
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Brilliant brains - fast feet: We joined the race!
If there is a reason to run, we will surely join. This year, the IPB power ladies and gentlemen took part in two popular running competitions. From April to June, a small team participated in the Saxony-Anhalt Running Challenge, which was a charming hybrid event initially planned to replace the annual company run. >> Read more But then the company run could take place after all and also in this competition two IPB teams started very successfully: the Running Tubes and Team Nemo. >> Here are the details
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IPB organizes Leibniz Conference on Bioactives
The Leibniz Research Alliance Bioactive Compounds and Biotechnology cordially invites you to the 8th Leibniz Conference on Bioactive Compounds. The event, also known as Wirkstofftage, will take place online on September 27, 2021. The IPB is host and organizer of the conference this year. >> Read more
Last but not least
We don't only love plants! Originally, PhD student Carolin Alfs only had eyes for her slides under the microscope, but then she discovered this curious young fox at the window. What a well-caught glimpse from the corner of the eye! We wish all friends and supporters a sunny summer!
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