Sarpagan bridge enzyme has substrate-controlled cyclization and aromatization modes.

ABSTRACT: Cyclization reactions that create complex polycyclic scaffolds are hallmarks of alkaloid biosynthetic pathways. We present the discovery of three homologous cytochrome P450s from three monoterpene indole alkaloid-producing plants (Rauwolfia serpentina, Gelsemium sempervirens and Catharanthus roseus) that provide entry into two distinct alkaloid classes, the sarpagans and the β-carbolines. Our results highlight how a common enzymatic mechanism, guided by related but structurally distinct substrates, leads to either cyclization or aromatization.

SUBMITTER: Dang TT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6054303 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature