Using Chemical Knowledge to Uncover New Biological Function: Discovery of the Cylindrocyclophane Biosynthetic Pathway

Abstract

An understanding of organic chemistry can play a central role in uncovering enzymes with new biochemical functions. We have recently identified the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of the cylindrocyclophanes, a structurally unique family of natural products, and found that this pathway employs a remarkable macrocyclization event that requires functionalization of an unactivated carbon atom. This work illustrates the potential of using chemically guided approaches for enzyme discovery.

Key words

biosynthesis - cylindrocyclophanes - natural products - enzymes - genomics

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