DNA Music: How the Cinnamate 4-Hydroxylase Protein of Acacia Mangium Sounds – A Melody of Lignin Pathways

Introduction

Wood is a complex molecular architecture created by plant cells. At its core lies lignin biosynthesis a rigid and durable polymer that forms tree trunks, providing mechanical stability and protection from environmental impacts.

One of the key enzymes in this pathway is cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H) – a protein that controls the early stages of phenolic compound synthesis, which later forms lignin.

This article presents a musical interpretation of the C4H amino acid sequence obtained from the Acacia auriculiformis × Acacia mangium hybrid, widely used in forestry for cultivating high-strength timber.

Data Source

The musical translation uses the official amino acid sequence:

• Protein: Cinnamate 4-hydroxylase
• Organism: Acacia mangium
• Hybrid context: Acacia auriculiformis × Acacia mangium
• Biological role: Lignin pathway, wood formation
• Source: NCBI Protein — AEN19718.1 (Cinnamate 4-hydroxylase [Acacia mangium])

Each amino acid residue is translated into a musical element, reflecting the rhythm and structure of the enzyme.

Biological Role of C4H in Wood Formation

C4H is a cytochrome P450 family enzyme involved in converting cinnamic acid to p-coumaric acid. This is one of the central steps in:

• The phenylpropanoid pathway
• Lignin biosynthesis
• Wood tissue formation

In the A. auriculiformis × A. mangium hybrid, C4H activity influences:

• Wood density
• Growth rate
• Resistance to wind loads
• Cellulose and lignin content

The protein’s functional significance makes its sound special structural, rhythmic, and distinctly “woody.”

Musical Correspondences of Amino Acids

• Aromatic (Phe, Tyr, Trp) – rich, dark notes (symbolizing phenolic ring structures)
• Hydrophobic (Leu, Ile, Val, Ala) – deep “woody” bass
• Charged (Arg, Lys, Glu, Asp) – bright, “sparkling” high notes
• Polar (Ser, Thr, Asn, Gln) – soft flute and string timbres
• Gly and Pro – rhythmic fragments creating texture, similar to wood grain

Aromatic amino acids play a special role, as they reflect the enzyme’s connection to phenolic pathways.

Musical Composition Structure

1. C4H amino acid sequence obtained: AEN19718.1
2. Notes and timbres assigned to each amino acid
3. Enzyme domain structure mapped to musical sections
4. “Wood growth” thematic line developed
5. Final composition created: “DNA Music: C4H – Acacia mangium hybrid”

Conclusion

Translating Acacia mangium cinnamate 4-hydroxylase into music creates a unique opportunity to hear:

• The biochemistry of the lignin pathway
• Wood formation processes
• The work of a cytochrome enzyme
• The natural architecture of the plant
• The hybrid origin of A. auriculiformis × A. mangium

The Adaris Genome Music project unites molecular biology and natural aesthetics, transforming wood formation into a musical symphony.