Issue 0, 1972

Biosynthesis of mycophenolic acid

Abstract

Incorporation experiments with labelled potential biosynthetic intermediates suggest that the methyl group at C-4 of the phthalide system in mycophenolic acid is introduced at the tetraketide stage. This then gives way to the aromatic system, which is further oxidised to 5,7-dihydroxy-4-methylphthalide. The isolation of 6-farnesyl-5,7-di-hydroxy-4-methylphthalide from the culture and the high incorporation of this compound into mycophenolic acid indicate that the most important process for the biosynthesis of the side-chain is the introduction of a C15 terpene chain followed by oxidative fission at the appropriate double bond. ‘Enzymic trap’ experiments confirm these results. Alternative pathways for the biosynthesis of the side-chain through 6-geranyl-5.7-dihydroxy-4-methyl-phthalide are discussed.

Article information

Article type
Paper

J. Chem. Soc., Perkin Trans. 1, 1972, 2639-2643

Biosynthesis of mycophenolic acid

L. Canonica, W. Kroszczynski, B. M. Ranzi, B. Rindone, E. Santaniello and C. Scolastico, J. Chem. Soc., Perkin Trans. 1, 1972, 2639 DOI: 10.1039/P19720002639

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