Biosynthesis of active small molecule prenylsalidroside a and its anti-inflammatory activity

Rhodiola rosea L. has a long history of use in traditional medicine for combating fatigue, enhancing immunity, and other purposes. As its key bioactive component, salidroside has been increasingly understood with the advancement of modern research technologies, showing enormous application potential. Isoprenylation-a strategic modification involving the introduction of hydrophobic geranyl groups-serves as a powerful approach to optimise drug-like properties and bioactivity. Leveraging a novel aromatic prenyltransferase (AtaPT) from Aspergillus terreus, we achieved regioselective geranylation of salidroside to yield prenylsalidroside A, a structurally optimised derivative. Subsequent tests on the anti-inflammatory activity of prenylsalidroside A revealed that it possesses certain anti-inflammatory potential.