Animal and plant members of a gene family with similarity to alkaloid-synthesizing enzymes

Here we describe novel members of a gene family which have similarity to st rictosidine synthase (SS), one of the key enzymes in the production of mono terpene indole alkaloids. In addition to the first animal member of the fam ily described previously (Drosophila hemomucin), a second Drosophila member has been identified, which appears to differ in subcellular distribution f rom hemomucin. In Arabidopsis, SS-like genes form a multigene family, compa tible with a possible function as antifeedants and antibacterial compounds. In Caenorhabditis, two members have been identified and one member each in mouse and human. Interestingly, the human SS-like gene is strongly express ed in the brain, the very organ many of the indole alkaloids act upon. (C) 2000 Academic Press.