Catalytic Potential of Cannabis Prenyltransferase to Expand Cannabinoid Scaffold Diversity

Org Lett. 2023 Dec 8;25(48):8601-8605. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.3c03410. Epub 2023 Nov 27.

Abstract

Biologically active cannabinoids are derived from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), which is biosynthesized by aromatic prenyltransferase CsPT4. We exploit the catalytic versatility of CsPT4 to synthesize various CBGA analogues, including a geranylated bibenzyl acid, the precursor to bibenzyl cannabinoids of liverwort origin. The synthesized natural and new-to-nature cannabinoids exhibit potent cytotoxicity in human pancreatic cancer cells. CsPT4 can artificially extend the cannabinoid biosynthetic diversity with novel and improved biological activities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bibenzyls*
  • Cannabinoids*
  • Cannabis*
  • Dimethylallyltranstransferase*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Cannabinoids
  • Dimethylallyltranstransferase
  • Bibenzyls