Reuben Peters

Reuben Peters is a Professor and Roy J. Carver Professor of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology at Iowa State University. His laboratory focuses on the biosynthesis and physiological functions of diterpenoid natural products, particularly labdane-related compounds. Research spans enzymatic mechanisms, metabolic pathways, and ecological roles in plant-microbe interactions. Peters' work integrates biophysical studies, reverse genetics, and chemical ecology to elucidate how these compounds contribute to plant defense, microbiome modulation, and symbiotic relationships.

Key research areas include the evolution of terpene synthases, bacterial production of gibberellins, and the role of diterpenoids in rice defense against pathogens and nematodes. His team uses diverse methods such as genome editing, enzyme kinetics, and metabolomics to explore these topics. Notable contributions include discovering bacterial operons for gibberellin biosynthesis and identifying enzymes critical for plant hormone production.

Scientific contributions are highlighted in over 150 publications, with recent work emphasizing enzyme evolution, metabolic engineering, and the ecological implications of diterpenoid diversity. Peters' research has implications for agricultural resilience and biotechnological applications in plant-microbe systems.