Identification of Serratane Synthase Gene from the Fern Lycopodium clavatum

Org Lett. 2017 Feb 3;19(3):496-499. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.6b03659. Epub 2017 Jan 19.

Abstract

Ferns are known to produce onoceroids including onoceranes and serratanes having unusual structures among triterpenes. From the fern Lycopodium clavatum, a novel onoceroid synthase gene was cloned that showed high sequence identity with a previously identified α-onocerin synthase. Functional analysis by coexpression with pre-α-onocerin synthase in yeast led to the production of tohogenol and serratenediol. The result suggested that serratanes are directly biosynthesized from pre-α-onocerin and not from α-onocerin as previously assumed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Ferns
  • Lycopodium / chemistry*
  • Molecular Structure