Functional characterization of CYP71D443, a cytochrome P450 catalyzing C-22 hydroxylation in the 20-hydroxyecdysone biosynthesis of Ajuga hairy roots

A P450 enzyme CYP71D443 catalyzed C-22 hydroxylation of 3β-hydroxy-5β-cholestan-6-one. The hydroxylated product was converted to 20-hydroxyecdysone in Ajuga hairy roots. Functionally characterized biosynthetic gene CYP71D443 is involved in the hitherto unknown plant 20-hydroxyecdysone biosynthetic pathway.