Pinoresinol-lariciresinol and isoflavone reductase classes are phylogenetically related, as is
a third, the so-called" isoflavone reductase homologs." This study establishes the first known
catalytic function for the latter, as being able to engender the NADPH-dependent reduction
of phenylcoumaran benzylic ethers. Accordingly, all three reductase classes are involved in
the biosynthesis of important and related phenylpropanoid-derived plant defense
compounds. In this investigation, the phenylcoumaran benzylic ether reductase from the …