Oncogene, Published online: 29 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41388-026-03967-7

DHCR24⁺ tumor epithelial cells drive cisplatin resistance in bladder cancer by enhancing cholesterol metabolism to activate lipid raft-associated MAPK signaling

Complete biosynthetic pathways for cephalotaxinone and homoerythratine were elucidated from the endangered plant Cephalotaxus fortunei. Thirteen key enzymes were identified, including two homologous cytochrome P450 enzymes that catalyze a rare divergent oxidation process governing alkaloid scaffold diversification. Full pathway reconstitution in Nicotiana benthamiana establishes a foundation for the sustainable production of the anticancer agent homoharringtonine.