Two Prenyltransferases Govern a Consecutive Prenylation Cascade in the Biosynthesis of Echinulin and Neoechinulin

Org Lett. 2017 Nov 3;19(21):5928-5931. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.7b02926.

Abstract

Two prenyltransferases from Aspergillus ruber control the echinulin biosynthesis via exceptional sequential prenylations. EchPT1 catalyzes the first prenylation step, leading to preechinulin. The unique EchPT2 attaches, in a consecutive prenylation cascade, up to three dimethylallyl moieties to preechinulin and its dehydro forms neoechinulins A and B, resulting in the formation of at least 23 2- to 4-fold prenylated derivatives. Confirming these products in fungal extracts unravels the unprecedented catalytic relevance of EchPT2 for structural diversity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkaloids
  • Dimethylallyltranstransferase / metabolism*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Piperazines
  • Prenylation
  • Substrate Specificity

Substances

  • Alkaloids
  • Piperazines
  • neoechinulin
  • Dimethylallyltranstransferase