LsBOS utilizes oxalyl-CoA produced by LsAAE3 to synthesize β-ODAP in grass pea.

This article explores the synthesis of β-N-oxalyl-l-α,β-diaminopropionic acid (β-ODAP) in grass pea, a legume commonly grown in Asia and Africa. The authors present conflicting findings regarding the enzymes responsible for β-ODAP synthesis. They challenge a previous study's claim that the enzyme LsAAE3 is involved, instead proposing that LsBOS is responsible. The authors provide evidence supporting their own two-step mechanism for β-ODAP synthesis and refute the claim that LsAAE3 has evolved to repurpose its activity. Understanding the production of β-ODAP is crucial for developing grass pea cultivars without the neurotoxic compound. [Extracted from the article]