Xianju Liu
Current Organizations / Institutes
The organizations/institutes from the scholar's latest article
Research Subjects
Research Interests
Xianju Liu has a total of 9 co-authors. Here are the top co-authors by number of shared publications:
- An Liu
Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
1 shared publication - Cong Guo
State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
1 shared publication - Jinzhu Jiang
State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
1 shared publication - Jun Zhang
State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
1 shared publication - Qingxia Xu
State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
1 shared publication - Sha Chen
State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16, Nanxiaojie, Dongzhimennei, Beijing 100700, China
1 shared publication
Latest Publications
- Open Access
- 10 September 2026
- Published by MDPI AG in Biomolecules
- Vol. 16 (9) , 1318
Insight into TPS-d Subfamily: The Evolutionary and Functional Diversity in Gymnosperms
Gymnosperms represent an ancient lineage with diverse chemical profiles. Their terpenoids constitute a major class notable for substantial structural diversity. Terpene synthases (TPSs) are the driving force of terpene diversity. TPS-d is a gymnosperm-specific TPS subfamily, yet the evolution and functional diversity of TPS-d are still understudied. In this review, we analyze 134 functionally characterized gymnosperm TPSs to elucidate the evolutionary history and functional diversity of the predominant TPS-d subfamily. Phylogenetic analysis revealed substantial lineage-specific expansion and divergence within the TPS-d subfamily post-speciation. Crucially, we highlight the shifts in domain architecture during TPS-d evolution, providing structural evidence for the progressive attrition and eventual loss of the ancestral γ domain in TPS-d2 and TPS-d1 clades. Furthermore, we summarize the functional diversity of TPS-d enzymes in specialized metabolites, emphasizing their ecological roles in plant defense. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the evolutionary and functional landscape of the gymnosperm-specific TPS-d subfamily, serving as a valuable reference for future studies on TPSs in gymnosperms.
- 10 September 2026
- Published by MDPI AG in Biomolecules
- Vol. 16 (9) , 1318
Open AccessInsight into TPS-d Subfamily: The Evolutionary and Functional Diversity in Gymnosperms
Gymnosperms represent an ancient lineage with diverse chemical profiles. Their terpenoids constitute a major class notable for substantial structural diversity. Terpene synthases (TPSs) are the driving force of terpene diversity. TPS-d is a gymnosperm-specific TPS subfamily, yet the evolution and functional diversity of TPS-d are still understudied. In this review, we analyze 134 functionally characterized gymnosperm TPSs to elucidate the evolutionary history and functional diversity of the predominant TPS-d subfamily. Phylogenetic analysis revealed substantial lineage-specific expansion and divergence within the TPS-d subfamily post-speciation. Crucially, we highlight the shifts in domain architecture during TPS-d evolution, providing structural evidence for the progressive attrition and eventual loss of the ancestral γ domain in TPS-d2 and TPS-d1 clades. Furthermore, we summarize the functional diversity of TPS-d enzymes in specialized metabolites, emphasizing their ecological roles in plant defense. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the evolutionary and functional landscape of the gymnosperm-specific TPS-d subfamily, serving as a valuable reference for future studies on TPSs in gymnosperms.