Here we report the characterization of the last missing steps of
the C. roseus secoiridoid pathway. We use an integrated
transcriptomics and proteomics approach for gene discovery,
followed by biochemical characterization of the isolated candidates.
Furthermore, we reconstitute the entire MIA pathway up to
strictosidine in the plant host Nicotiana benthamiana, by
heterologous expression of the newly identified genes in
combination with the previously known biosynthesis genes. This
work provides essential tools that will allow development of
synthetic biology platforms for the production of bioactive
iridoids, secoiridoids and complex MIAs with a wide range of
agricultural and pharmaceutical applications, including the
treatment of cancer.