(2025)
In vitro psilocybin synthesis by co-immobilized enzymes.
Chem Eur J
[Epub ahead of print]

Dirk Hoffmeister
Pharmaceutical Microbiology · Head +49 3641 9-49850 dirk.hoffmeister@leibniz-hki.deCurriculum vitae
Main Research Areas
- Quinone synthetases and related enzymes
- Polyketide synthases of basidiomycetes
- Biosynthesis of psilocybin
- Natural products of the genus Psilocybe
Professional Career
2014- | Full Professor for Pharmaceutical Microbiology, FSU Jena and HKI Jena |
2009-2014 | Associate Professor for Pharmaceutical Biology, FSU Jena and head of the associated department Pharmaceutical Biology at the HKI Jena |
2007-2009 | Assistant Professor (tenure track) University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, USA |
2008 | Habilitation in Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg |
2004-2007 | Junior Group Leader, Institute for Pharmacy, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg |
2002-2004 | Postdoc, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA (DFG-fellowship) |
2002 | Dr. rer. nat., Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg |
1998 | Diploma in biology at the Eberhard-Karls-University, Tübingen |
Awards · Appointments · Scientific Activities
Since 2020 | Head of the Institute for Pharmacy, FSU Jena |
2016-2019 | Dean for Study Affairs in the Faculty of Biology and Pharmacy, FSU Jena |
2013-2016 | Scientific advisory board, Vereinigung für Allgemeine und Angewandte Mikrobiologie (VAAM). |
Publications
(2024)
The fatal mushroom neurotoxin muscarine is released from a harmless phosphorylated precursor upon cellular injury.
Angew Chem Int Ed 63(52),
e202417220.
(2024)
Methyl transfer in psilocybin biosynthesis.
Nat Commun 15(1),
2709.
(2024)
The second methylation in Psilocybin biosynthesis is enabled by a hydrogen bonding network extending into the secondary sphere surrounding the methyltransferase active site.
ChemBioChem 25(23),
e202400497.
(2024)
Optimized psilocybin production in tryptophan catabolism-repressed fungi.
Microb Biotechnol 17(11),
e70039.
(2024)
From the forest floor to the lab: insights into the diversity and complexity of mushroom polyketide synthases.
Curr Opin Chem Biol 82,
102510.
(Review)
(2024)
Regioselective oxidative phenol coupling by a mushroom unspecific peroxygenase.
Angew Chem Int Ed 63(42),
e202407425.
(2024)
Substrate recognition by the 4-hydroxytryptamine kinase PsiK in Psilocybin biosynthesis.
FEBS Letters
[Accepted]
(2024)
Parallel evolution of Asco- and Basidiomycete O-Prenyltransferases.
J Nat Prod 87(3),
576-582.
(2024)
Genetic regulation of L-tryptophan metabolism in Psilocybe mexicana supports psilocybin biosynthesis.
Fungal Biol Biotechnol 11(1),
4.