Conversion of substrate analogs suggests a Michael cyclization in iridoid biosynthesis

Stephanie Lindner, Fernando Geu Flores, Stefan Bräse, Nathaniel H Sherden, Sarah E O'Connor

28 Citations (Scopus)
659 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The core structure of the iridoid monoterpenes is formed by a unique cyclization reaction. The enzyme that catalyzes this reaction, iridoid synthase, is mechanistically distinct from other terpene cyclases. Here we describe the synthesis of two substrate analogs to probe the mechanism of iridoid synthase. Enzymatic assay of these substrate analogs along with clues from the product profile of the native substrate strongly suggest that iridoid synthase utilizes a Michael reaction to achieve cyclization. This improved mechanistic understanding will facilitate the exploitation of the potential of iridoid synthase to synthesize new cyclic compounds from nonnatural substrates.

Original languageEnglish
JournalChemistry & Biology
Volume21
Issue number11
Pages (from-to)1452-1456
Number of pages5
ISSN1074-5521
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 20 Nov 2014
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Conversion of substrate analogs suggests a Michael cyclization in iridoid biosynthesis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this