A novel cytochrome P450, CYP3201B1, is involved in (R)-mandelonitrile biosynthesis in a cyanogenic millipede.

ABSTRACT: Specialized arthropods and more than 2500 plant species biosynthesize hydroxynitriles and release hydrogen cyanide as a defensive mechanism. The millipede Chamberlinius hualienensis accumulates (R)-mandelonitrile as a cyanide precursor. Although biosynthesis of hydroxynitriles in cyanogenic plants and in an insect are extensively studied, (R)-mandelonitrile biosynthesis in cyanogenic millipedes has remained unclear. In this study, we identified the biosynthetic precursors of (R)-mandelonitrile and an enzyme involved in (R)-mandelonitrile biosynthesis. Using deuterium-labelled compounds, we revealed that (E/Z)-phenylacetaldoxime and phenylacetonitrile are the biosynthetic precursors of (R)-mandelonitrile in the millipede as well as oth

SUBMITTER: Yamaguchi T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5337904 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature