Plant prenyltransferases: Diversity, catalytic activities, mechanisms, and application in heterologous production of prenylated natural products

Plant prenyltransferases (PTs) are pivotal enzymes in the biosynthetic pathways of prenylated natural products (PNPs) that catalyze the transfer of isoprenyl units (C₅) to specific receptor molecules, including aromatic compounds and terpene precursors. Recent advancements in plant genomics and synthetic biology have significantly accelerated research on PTs in natural product synthesis, positioning them as a focal point for scientific investigation. Although there are existing reviews on the functions and classification of PTs, the functional diversity of plant PTs remains inadequately understood. Consequently, this study provides an exhaustive summary of over 160 reported plant ubiquinone biosynthesis gene A (UbiA)-type PTs and selected representative isopentenyl diphosphate synthases (IDSs). We systematically reviewed the classification, function, catalytic mechanisms, and enzyme engineering strategies of plant PTs, and their application in the heterologous production of PNPs. This study aimed to advance PT characterization and application, thereby establishing a foundation for PNP-based drug development.