An NADPH and FAD dependent enzyme catalyzes hydroxylation of flavonoids in position 8

Yellow flavonols contribute to flower pigmentation in Asteraceae. In contrast to common flavonols, they show additional hydroxyl groups in position 6 and/or 8 of the aromatic A-ring in addition to the basic 5,7-hydroxylation pattern. An enzyme introducing a hydroxyl group in position 8 of flavonols and flavones was demonstrated for the first time with enzyme preparations from petals of Chrysanthemum segetum. Flavanones, dihydroflavonols and glucosylated flavonols and flavones were not accepted as substrates. The enzyme was localized in the microsomal fraction and uses NADPH and FAD as cofactors. Experiments with carbon monoxide/blue light and with antibodies specific for cytochrome P450 reductase did not indicate the involvement of a classical cytochrome P450 dependent monooxygenase in the reaction. Thus, the flavonoid 8-hydroxylase represents a novel type of hydroxylating enzyme in the flavonoid pathway. Apart from flavonoid 8-hydroxylase activity, the presence of all enzymes involved in the formation of flavonoid 7-O-glucosides in C. segetum was demonstrated. The pathway leading to 8-hydroxyflavonoids in C. segetum has been derived from enzyme activities and substrate specificities observed.