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Payer SE, Prejanò M, Kögl P, Reiter T, Pferschy-Wenzig EM, Himo F, Kroutil W. C-C Bond Cleavage in the Late-Stage Biosynthesis of Huperzine Alkaloids Occurs via Enzymatic Retro-Aza-Prins Reaction. J Am Chem Soc 2025. [PMID: 40346026 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c10410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2025]
Abstract
The demand for novel enzyme-catalyzed reactions in chemical synthesis has spurred the development of many new-to-nature reactions. Additionally, detailed analysis of biosynthetic pathways can uncover unprecedented chemical/enzymatic mechanisms. In this study, we revisited the catalytic mechanism of the 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase Pt2OGD-1, involved in the biosynthesis of huperzine alkaloids. Our experimental and computational investigations uncovered a previously unknown enzymatic C-C bond cleavage in the piperidine ring of the alkaloid scaffold, resembling an oxidative retro-aza-Prins reaction. Here, this transformation is initiated by hydrogen abstraction, followed by electron transfer at the 4-position of the heterocycle, triggering ring opening and finally resulting in the loss of a carbon atom as formaldehyde. This discovery expands the toolbox of reactions, enhances our understanding of these enzymes, and may facilitate their application in the biotechnological production of pharmaceutically relevant alkaloid scaffolds as well as the development of biocatalysts with similar activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan E Payer
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, BioTechMed Graz, Heinrichstrasse 28, A-8010 Graz, Austria
- Enzyan Biocatalysis GmbH, Stiftingtalstraße 14, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Mario Prejanò
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Arrhenius Laboratory, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università della Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Philipp Kögl
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, BioTechMed Graz, Heinrichstrasse 28, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Tamara Reiter
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, BioTechMed Graz, Heinrichstrasse 28, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Eva-Maria Pferschy-Wenzig
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacognosy, University of Graz, Beethovenstrasse 8, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Fahmi Himo
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Arrhenius Laboratory, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Wolfgang Kroutil
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, BioTechMed Graz, Heinrichstrasse 28, A-8010 Graz, Austria
- Field of Excellence BioHealth, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
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2
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Higgins PM, Wehrli NG, Buller AR. Substrate-Multiplexed Assessment of Aromatic Prenyltransferase Activity. Chembiochem 2025; 26:e202400680. [PMID: 39317170 PMCID: PMC11727010 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202400680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2024] [Revised: 09/18/2024] [Accepted: 09/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
An increasingly effective strategy to identify synthetically useful enzymes is to sample the diversity already present in Nature. Here, we construct and assay a panel of phylogenetically diverse aromatic prenyltransferases (PTs). These enzymes catalyze a variety of C-C bond forming reactions in natural product biosynthesis and are emerging as tools for synthetic chemistry and biology. Homolog screening was further empowered through substrate-multiplexed screening, which provides direct information on enzyme specificity. We perform a head-to-head assessment of the model members of the PT family and further identify homologs with divergent sequences that rival these superb enzymes. This effort revealed the first bacterial O-Tyr PT and, together, provide valuable benchmarking for future synthetic applications of PTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peyton M. Higgins
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison1101 University AveMadison, WisconsinUSA
| | - Nicolette G. Wehrli
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison1101 University AveMadison, WisconsinUSA
| | - Andrew R. Buller
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison1101 University AveMadison, WisconsinUSA
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3
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Hohlman RM, Sherman DH. Recent advances in hapalindole-type cyanobacterial alkaloids: biosynthesis, synthesis, and biological activity. Nat Prod Rep 2021; 38:1567-1588. [PMID: 34032254 DOI: 10.1039/d1np00007a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Covering: 1984 up to the end of 2020Hapalindoles, fischerindoles, ambiguines and welwitindolinones are all members of a class of indole alkaloid natural products that have been isolated from the Stigonematales order of cyanobacteria. These compounds possess a polycyclic ring system, unique functional groups and various stereo- and regiochemical isomers. Since their initial isolation in 1984, they have been explored as potential therapeutics due to their wide variety of biological activities. Although numerous groups have pursued total syntheses of these densely functionalized structures, hapalindole biosynthesis has only recently been unveiled. Several groups have uncovered a wide range of novel enzymes that catalyze formation and tailoring of the hapalindole-type metabolites. In this article, we provide an overview of these natural products, their biological activities, highlight general synthetic routes, and provide an extensive review on the surprising biosynthetic processes leading to these structurally diverse metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Hohlman
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - David H Sherman
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Khopade T, Ajayan K, Joshi SS, Lane AL, Viswanathan R. Bioinspired Brønsted Acid-Promoted Regioselective Tryptophan Isoprenylations. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:10840-10858. [PMID: 34056238 PMCID: PMC8153798 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c00515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Tryptophan-containing isoprenoid indole alkaloid natural products are well known for their intricate structural architectures and significant biological activities. Nature employs dimethylallyl tryptophan synthases (DMATSs) or aromatic indole prenyltransferases (iPTs) to catalyze regio- and stereoselective prenylation of l-Trp. Regioselective synthetic routes that isoprenylate cyclo-Trp-Trp in a 2,5-diketopiperazine (DKP) core, in a desymmetrizing manner, are nonexistent and are highly desirable. Herein, we present an elaborate report on Brønsted acid-promoted regioselective tryptophan isoprenylation strategy, applicable to both the monomeric amino acid and its dimeric l-Trp DKP. This report outlines a method that regio- and stereoselectively increases sp3 centers of a privileged bioactive core. We report on conditions involving screening of Brønsted acids, their conjugate base as salt, solvent, temperature, and various substrates with diverse side chains. Furthermore, we extensively delineate effects on regio- and stereoselection of isoprenylation and their stereochemical confirmation via NMR experiments. Regioselectively, the C3-position undergoes normal-isoprenylation or benzylation and forms exo-ring-fused pyrroloindolines selectively. Through appropriate prenyl group migrations, we report access to the bioactive tryprostatin alkaloids, and by C3-normal-farnesylation, we access anticancer drimentines as direct targets of this method. The optimized strategy affords iso-tryprostatin B-type products and predrimentine C with 58 and 55% yields, respectively. The current work has several similarities to biosynthesis, such as-reactions can be performed on unprotected substrates, conditions that enable Brønsted acid promotion, and they are easy to perform under ambient conditions, without the need for stoichiometric levels of any transition metal or expensive ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tushar
M. Khopade
- Departments
of Chemistry & Biology, Indian Institute
of Science Education and Research, Tirupati 517507, Andhra
Pradesh India
| | - Kalyani Ajayan
- Departments
of Chemistry & Biology, Indian Institute
of Science Education and Research, Tirupati 517507, Andhra
Pradesh India
| | - Swapnil S. Joshi
- Departments
of Chemistry & Biology, Indian Institute
of Science Education and Research, Tirupati 517507, Andhra
Pradesh India
| | - Amy L. Lane
- Department
of Chemistry, University of North Florida, Jacksonville 32224, Florida, United States
| | - Rajesh Viswanathan
- Departments
of Chemistry & Biology, Indian Institute
of Science Education and Research, Tirupati 517507, Andhra
Pradesh India
- Department
of Chemistry, University of North Florida, Jacksonville 32224, Florida, United States
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Tanaka S, Shiomi S, Ishikawa H. Bioinspired Indole Prenylation Reactions in Water. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2017; 80:2371-2378. [PMID: 28803474 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.7b00464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Isoprene units derived from dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP) are an important motif in many natural products including terpenoids, carotenoids, steroids, and natural rubber. Understanding the chemical characteristics of DMAPP is an important topic in natural products chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry. We have developed a direct bioinspired indole prenylation reaction using DMAPP or its equivalents as the electrophile in homogeneous aqueous acidic media in the absence of enzyme to provide prenylated indole products. After establishing the bioinspired indole prenylation reaction, this was then used to achieve the synthesis of a series of natural products, namely, N-prenylcyclo-l-tryptophyl-l-proline, tryprostatins, rhinocladins, and terezine D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satomi Tanaka
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University , 2-39-1, Kurokami, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan
| | - Shinya Shiomi
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University , 2-39-1, Kurokami, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan
| | - Hayato Ishikawa
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University , 2-39-1, Kurokami, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan
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Xia PJ, Sun YH, Xiao JA, Zhou ZF, Wen SS, Xiong Y, Ou GC, Chen XQ, Yang H. Regioselectivity-Tunable Self-1,3-Dipolar [3+3] Cyclizations of Azomethine Ylides To Assemble Dispirooxindole-piperazines. J Org Chem 2015; 80:11573-9. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.5b02088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Ju Xia
- College
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, P. R. China
| | - Yan-Hua Sun
- College
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, P. R. China
| | - Jun-An Xiao
- College
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, P. R. China
| | - Zhao-Fang Zhou
- College
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, P. R. China
| | - Sai-Shuai Wen
- College
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, P. R. China
| | - Yu Xiong
- College
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, P. R. China
| | - Guang-Chuan Ou
- Department
of Biology and Chemistry, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, Yongzhou, Hunan 425100, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Qing Chen
- College
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, P. R. China
| | - Hua Yang
- College
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, P. R. China
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Abstract
Covering: up to 2014. Prenylated indole alkaloids comprise a large and structurally diverse family of natural products that often display potent biological activities. In recent years a large family of prenyltransferases that install prenyl groups onto the indole core have been discovered. While the vast majority of these enzymes are evolutionarily related and share a common protein fold, they are remarkably versatile in their ability to catalyze reverse and normal prenylations at all positions on the indole ring. This highlight article will focus on recent studies of the mechanisms utilized by indole prenyltransferases. While all of the prenylation reactions may follow a direct electrophilic aromatic substitution mechanism, studies of structure and reactivity suggest that in some cases prenylation may first occur at the nucleophilic C-3 position, and subsequent rearrangements then generate the final product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin E Tanner
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z1, British Columbia, Canada.
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Alqahtani N, Porwal SK, James ED, Bis DM, Karty JA, Lane AL, Viswanathan R. Synergism between genome sequencing, tandem mass spectrometry and bio-inspired synthesis reveals insights into nocardioazine B biogenesis. Org Biomol Chem 2015; 13:7177-92. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ob00537j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
A noz gene cluster encoded by Nocardiopsis sp. CMB M0232 is presented, revealing the actinomycetes’ unique indole methylating and prenylating patterns, leading to anticancer nocardioazine alkaloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norah Alqahtani
- Department of Chemistry
- Case Western Reserve University
- Millis Science Center: Rm 216
- Cleveland OH 44106-7078
- USA
| | - Suheel K. Porwal
- Department of Chemistry
- Case Western Reserve University
- Millis Science Center: Rm 216
- Cleveland OH 44106-7078
- USA
| | - Elle D. James
- Department of Chemistry
- University of North Florida
- Jacksonville
- USA
| | - Dana M. Bis
- Department of Chemistry
- University of North Florida
- Jacksonville
- USA
| | - Jonathan A. Karty
- Mass Spectrometry Facility
- Indiana University Department of Chemistry
- Bloomington
- USA
| | - Amy L. Lane
- Department of Chemistry
- University of North Florida
- Jacksonville
- USA
| | - Rajesh Viswanathan
- Department of Chemistry
- Case Western Reserve University
- Millis Science Center: Rm 216
- Cleveland OH 44106-7078
- USA
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10
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Thandavamurthy K, Sharma D, Porwal SK, Ray D, Viswanathan R. Regioselective Cope Rearrangement and Prenyl Transfers on Indole Scaffold Mimicking Fungal and Bacterial Dimethylallyltryptophan Synthases. J Org Chem 2014; 79:10049-67. [DOI: 10.1021/jo501651z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Karthikeyan Thandavamurthy
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Millis Science Center Room 214, 2074 Adelbert Road, Cleveland Ohio 44106-7078, United States
| | - Deepti Sharma
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Millis Science Center Room 214, 2074 Adelbert Road, Cleveland Ohio 44106-7078, United States
| | - Suheel K. Porwal
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Millis Science Center Room 214, 2074 Adelbert Road, Cleveland Ohio 44106-7078, United States
| | - Dale Ray
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Millis Science Center Room 214, 2074 Adelbert Road, Cleveland Ohio 44106-7078, United States
| | - Rajesh Viswanathan
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Millis Science Center Room 214, 2074 Adelbert Road, Cleveland Ohio 44106-7078, United States
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Abstract
This review provides a summary of recent research advances in elucidating the biosynthesis of fungal indole alkaloids. The different strategies used to incorporate and derivatize the indole/indoline moieties in various families of fungal indole alkaloids will be discussed, including tryptophan-containing nonribosomal peptides, polyketide-nonribosomal peptide hybrids, and alkaloids derived from other indole building blocks. This review also includes a discussion regarding the downstream modifications that generate chemical and structural diversity among indole alkaloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, 420 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90096, USA.
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