Hong Wu

Lineage-specific enzyme optimization underlies divergent evolution of trans-Cinnamaldehyde and Eugenol biosynthesis in Cinnamomum cassia and Cinnamomum verum.

Closely related plant species often exhibit striking diversity in their specialized metabolism, yet the genomic and evolutionary mechanisms driving this divergence are often elusive. The globally important cinnamon species Cinnamomum cassia and C. verum represent a classic example, producing leaf essential oils dominat...