Enzyme evolution in fungal indole alkaloid biosynthesis

FEBS J. 2020 Apr;287(7):1381-1402. doi: 10.1111/febs.15270.

Abstract

The class of fungal indole alkaloids containing the bicyclo[2.2.2]diazaoctane ring is comprised of diverse molecules that display a range of biological activities. While much interest has been garnered due to their therapeutic potential, this class of molecules also displays unique chemical functionality, making them intriguing synthetic targets. Many elegant and intricate total syntheses have been developed to generate these alkaloids, but the selectivity required to produce them in high yield presents great barriers. Alternatively, if we can understand the molecular mechanisms behind how fungi make these complex molecules, we can leverage the power of nature to perform these chemical transformations. Here, we describe the various studies regarding the evolutionary development of enzymes involved in fungal indole alkaloid biosynthesis.

Keywords: Diels-Alderase; biosynthesis; monooxygenase; natural products; nonribosomal peptides.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Fungi / chemistry
  • Fungi / enzymology*
  • Fungi / metabolism*
  • Indole Alkaloids / chemistry
  • Indole Alkaloids / metabolism*
  • Mixed Function Oxygenases / chemistry
  • Mixed Function Oxygenases / metabolism*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Oxidoreductases / chemistry
  • Oxidoreductases / metabolism*
  • Peptide Synthases / chemistry
  • Peptide Synthases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Indole Alkaloids
  • Mixed Function Oxygenases
  • Oxidoreductases
  • tryptophan halogenase
  • Peptide Synthases
  • non-ribosomal peptide synthase