Characterization of O-methyltransferases in the biosynthesis of phenylphenalenone phytoalexins based on the telomere-to-telomere gapless genome of Musella lasiocarpa

Phenylphenalenones (PhPNs), phytoalexins in wild bananas (Musaceae), are known to act against various pathogens. However, the abundance of PhPNs in many Musaceae plants of economic importance is low. Knowledge of the biosynthesis of PhPNs and the application of biosynthetic approaches to improve their yield is vital for fighting banana diseases. However, the processes of PhPN biosynthesis, especially those involved in methylation modification, remain unclear.