Chalcone synthase (CHS)

Chalcone synthase is an enzyme ubiquitous in higher plants and is the first committed step of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway, catalyzing the conversion of 4-coumaroyl-CoA and three molecules of malonyl-CoA into naringenin chalcone, a key intermediate for the synthesis of many flavonoids and isoflavonoids[1][3][4][5]. CHS is classified as a type III polyketide synthase, operates as a homodimer, and is highly conserved across land plants[2][3][4]. Flavonoids produced via this pathway play key roles in pigmentation, protection against ultraviolet radiation, plant fertility, antifungal defense, and interactions with beneficial microbes[1][3]. CHS activity is tightly regulated by metabolic and transcriptional signals in plants[3]. It is widely studied for its role in plant biology, not as a pharmaceutical target, with notable scientific history including being the first gene in which RNA interference was described[3].

Other names

naringenin-chalcone synthase

Not applicable in human drug context; catalyzes the condensation of 4-coumaroyl-CoA and three malonyl-CoA into naringenin chalcone in plants