Azetidine amino acid biosynthesis by non-haem iron-dependent enzymes.

ABSTRACT: Azetidine, a four-membered aza-cycle, is a crucial structure in many bioactive compounds and drugs. However, their biosynthesis is frequently enigmatic. Here we report the mechanism of azetidine amino acid (polyoximic acid) biosynthesis in the polyoxin antifungal pathway. Genetic, enzymological and structural experiments revealed that PolF is a member of haem-oxygenase-like dimetal oxidase and/or oxygenase (HDO) superfamily, and this enzyme alone is sufficient for the transformation of L-isoleucine (L-Ile) and L-valine to their azetidine derivatives via a 3,4-desaturated intermediate. Mechanistic studies of PolF suggested that a μ-peroxo-Fe(III)₂ intermediate is directly responsible for the unactivated C-H bond cleavage, and the post-H-abstraction reactions, including the C-N bo

SUBMITTER: Du Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12614342 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature