Evidence for an insertion-homolysis mechanism for carbon-sulphur bond formation in penicillin biosynthesis; 2. Incubation and interpretation

Cyclization reactions of 1-[3′-hydroxy-2′-(hydroxymethyl)prop-1′-enyl]pyrimidine nucleobases: intramolecular Michael additions to the C(5)C(6) bonds and intramolecular dehydrations

The tendency of a series of acyclic nucleoside analogues 1a-f to undergo intramolecular cyclization reactions was investigated. All compounds, when treated with NaOD, were in equilibrium with the bicyclic compounds 2a-f, arising from Michael addition of a hydroxy group to the C(5)=C(6) bonds. Derivatives of 2,4-pyrimidinediones (1a,b) had the highest tendency to undergo intramolecular Michael addition when treated with triethylamine, whereas the cyclization of 4-amino-2-pyridones (1c-f) proceeded best with acid. The exocyclic double bond of was essential for the cyclization to occur. Commonly used N-protecting groups as the benzoyl- and the dibutylaminomethylene group enhanced cyclization. Under acidic anhydrous conditions 1b and 1e cyclized to the 2,4'-anhydro compounds 1b and 1e.

Substrate specificity of human prolyl-4-hydroxylase

Proline analogs (3-F, 3-Cl, 3-Br, 3,3-cyclopropyl, 3,3-methylene, 3-Me, and 4-Me) were synthesized, incorporated into CbzGlyPheXGlyOEt, and tested as substrate analogues/mechanistic probes for the human prolyl-4-hydroxylase catalyzed hydroxylation reaction. With the exception of the 3-fluoroproline containing peptide, none of these peptides were substrates for the enzyme.

Structure of isopenicillin N synthase complexed with substrate and the mechanism of penicillin formation

The biosynthesis of penicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics in microorganisms requires the formation of the bicyclic nucleus of penicillin. Isopenicillin N synthase (IPNS), a non-haem iron-dependent oxidase, catalyses the reaction of a tripeptide, delta-(L-alpha-aminoadipoyl)-L-cysteinyl-D-valine (ACV), and dioxygen to form isopenicillin N and two water molecules. Mechanistic studies suggest the reaction is initiated by ligation of the substrate thiolate to the iron centre, and proceeds through an enzyme-bound monocyclic intermediate. Here we report the crystal structure of IPNS complexed to ferrous iron and ACV, determined to 1.3 A resolution. Based on the structure, we propose a mechanism for penicillin formation that involves ligation of ACV to the iron centre, creating a vacant iron coordination site into which dioxygen can bind. Subsequently, iron-dioxygen and iron-oxo species remove the requisite hydrogens from ACV without the direct assistance of protein residues. The crystal structure of the complex with the dioxygen analogue, NO and ACV bound to the active-site iron supports this hypothesis.