Biosynthesis of Dolastatin 10 in Marine Cyanobacteria, a Prototype for Multiple Approved Cancer Drugs

Org Lett. 2024 Feb 23;26(7):1321-1325. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.3c04083. Epub 2024 Feb 8.

Abstract

Dolastatin 10, a potent tubulin-targeting marine anticancer natural product, provided the basis for the development of six FDA-approved antibody-drug conjugates. Through the screening of cyanobacterial Caldora penicillata environmental DNA libraries and metagenome sequencing, we identified its biosynthetic gene cluster. Functional prediction of 10 enzymes encoded in the 39 kb cluster supports the dolastatin 10 biosynthesis. The nonheme diiron monooxygenase DolJ was biochemically characterized to mediate the terminal thiazole formation in dolastatin 10.

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents* / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / pharmacology
  • Cyanobacteria* / chemistry
  • Depsipeptides* / chemistry
  • Depsipeptides* / pharmacology
  • Neoplasms*
  • Oligopeptides / chemistry

Substances

  • dolastatin 10
  • Oligopeptides
  • Depsipeptides
  • Antineoplastic Agents