Insights into angiosperm evolution and lineage-specialized lignan biosynthesis from the early-diverging Schisandra genome

Schisandraceae, an early-diverging angiosperm lineage, produces dibenzocyclooctadiene (DBCOD) lignans, unique bioactive compounds with liver-protecting properties. Although DBCOD lignan chemodiversity is well documented, their biosynthesis and evolution remain unclear. Here, we present a high-quality Schisandra chinensis genome, completing genomic representation of early angiosperms. Phylogenetic analysis confirms Austrobaileyales as sister to monocots, magnoliids, and eudicots, clarifying their evolutionary position. We identified an Austrobaileyales-specific whole-genome duplication postdiversification from Amborellales and Nymphaeales. Integrating coexpression networks and biochemical assays, we delineated five key steps in DBCOD lignan biosynthesis, including dimerization, hydroxylation, methylation, and C─C phenol coupling. Notably, we found SchCYP719G1b, a previously unidentified enzyme catalyzing C─C linkage to form the signature DBCOD scaffold. Substrate selectivity assays and quantum mechanical/molecular mechanics calculations suggested that the para -hydroxyl diradical electronic properties preferentially drive selective C2─C2′ coupling over alternative pathways. Our findings illuminate early angiosperm evolution and the molecular basis of specialized lignan diversity.