1
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Wang X, Liu H, Wang J, Chang L, Cai J, Wei Z, Pan J, Gu X, Li WL, Li J. Enzyme Tunnel Dynamics and Catalytic Mechanism of Norcoclaurine Synthase: Insights from a Combined LiGaMD and DFT Study. J Phys Chem B 2024. [PMID: 39315758 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c04243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
This study conducts a systematic investigation into the catalytic mechanism of norcoclaurine synthase (NCS), a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of tetrahydroisoquinolines (THIQs) with therapeutic applications. By integration of LiGaMD and DFT calculations, the reaction pathway of NCS is mapped, providing detailed insights into its catalytic activity and selectivity. Our findings underscore the critical role of E103 in substrate capture and reveal the hitherto unappreciated influence of nonpolar residues M183 and L76 on tunnel dynamics. A prominent discovery is the identification of a high-energy barrier (44.2 kcal/mol) associated with the aromatic electrophilic attack, which pinpoints the rate-limiting step. Moreover, we disclose the existence of dual transition states leading to different products with the energetically favored six-membered ring formation consistent with experimental evidence. These mechanistic revelations not only refine our understanding of NCS but also advocate for a renewed emphasis on enzyme tunnel engineering for optimizing THIQs biosynthesis. The research sets the stage for translating these findings into practical enzyme modifications. Our results highlight the potential of NCS as a biocatalyst to overcome the limitations of current synthetic methodologies, such as low yields and environmental impacts, and provide a theoretical contribution to the efficient, eco-friendly production of THIQs-based pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xujian Wang
- School of Biopharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Aiiso Yufeng Li Family Department of Chemical and Nano Engineering, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California 92093, United States
| | - Haodong Liu
- School of Biopharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Jingyao Wang
- School of Biopharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Le Chang
- School of Biopharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Jiayang Cai
- School of Biopharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Zexuan Wei
- School of Biopharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Jiayu Pan
- School of Biopharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Xiaohui Gu
- School of Biopharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Wan-Lu Li
- Aiiso Yufeng Li Family Department of Chemical and Nano Engineering, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California 92093, United States
- Program of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California 92093, United States
| | - Jiahuang Li
- School of Biopharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Changzhou High-Tech Research Institute, Nanjing University, Changzhou 213164, China
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2
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Li Q, Zhang S, Liu F, Su H, Sheng X. Quantum chemical modeling of enantioselective sulfoxidation and epoxidation reactions by indole monooxygenase VpIndA1. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:16521-16528. [PMID: 38809594 DOI: 10.1039/d4cp00552j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Indole monooxygenases (IMOs) are enzymes from the family of Group E monooxygenases, requiring flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) for their activities. IMOs play important roles in both sulfoxidation and epoxidation reactions. The broad substrate range and high selectivity of IMOs make them promising biocatalytic tools for synthesizing chiral compounds. In the present study, quantum chemical calculations using the cluster approach were performed to investigate the reaction mechanism and the enantioselectivity of the IMO from Variovorax paradoxus EPS (VpIndA1). The sulfoxidation of methyl phenyl sulfide (MPS) and the epoxidation of indene were chosen as the representative reactions. The calculations confirmed that the FADOOH intermediate is the catalytic species in the VpIndA1 reactions. The oxidation of MPS adopts a one-step mechanism involving the direct oxygen-transfer from FADOOH to the substrate and the proton transfer from the -OH group back to FAD, while the oxidation of indene follows a stepwise mechanism involving a carbocation intermediate. It was computationally predicted that VpIndA1 prefers the formation of (S)-product for the MPS sulfoxidation and (1S,2R)-product for the indene epoxidation, consistent with the experimental observations. Importantly, the factors controlling the stereo-preference of the two reactions are identified. The findings in the present study provide valuable insights into the VpIndA1-catalyzed reactions, which are essential for the rational design of this enzyme and other IMOs for industrial applications. It is also worth emphasizing that the quantum chemical cluster approach is again demonstrated to be powerful in studying the enantioselectivity of enzymatic reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinrou Li
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, P. R. China
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, P. R. China.
| | - Shiqing Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, P. R. China.
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, National Engineering Research Center of Industrial Enzymes and Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin 300308, P. R. China
| | - Fufeng Liu
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, P. R. China
| | - Hao Su
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, P. R. China.
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, National Engineering Research Center of Industrial Enzymes and Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin 300308, P. R. China
| | - Xiang Sheng
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, P. R. China.
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, National Engineering Research Center of Industrial Enzymes and Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin 300308, P. R. China
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3
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Salvatti BA, Chagas MA, Fernandes PO, Ladeira YFX, Bozzi AS, Valadares VS, Valente AP, de Miranda AS, Rocha WR, Maltarollo VG, Moraes AH. Understanding the Enzyme ( S)-Norcoclaurine Synthase Promiscuity to Aldehydes and Ketones. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:4462-4474. [PMID: 38776464 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The (S)-norcoclaurine synthase from Thalictrum flavum (TfNCS) stereoselectively catalyzes the Pictet-Spengler reaction between dopamine and 4-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde to give (S)-norcoclaurine. TfNCS can catalyze the Pictet-Spengler reaction with various aldehydes and ketones, leading to diverse tetrahydroisoquinolines. This substrate promiscuity positions TfNCS as a highly promising enzyme for synthesizing fine chemicals. Understanding carbonyl-containing substrates' structural and electronic signatures that influence TfNCS activity can help expand its applications in the synthesis of different compounds and aid in protein optimization strategies. In this study, we investigated the influence of the molecular properties of aldehydes and ketones on their reactivity in the TfNCS-catalyzed Pictet-Spengler reaction. Initially, we compiled a library of reactive and unreactive compounds from previous publications. We also performed enzymatic assays using nuclear magnetic resonance to identify some reactive and unreactive carbonyl compounds, which were then included in the library. Subsequently, we employed QSAR and DFT calculations to establish correlations between substrate-candidate structures and reactivity. Our findings highlight correlations of structural and stereoelectronic features, including the electrophilicity of the carbonyl group, to the reactivity of aldehydes and ketones toward the TfNCS-catalyzed Pictet-Spengler reaction. Interestingly, experimental data of seven compounds out of fifty-three did not correlate with the electrophilicity of the carbonyl group. For these seven compounds, we identified unfavorable interactions between them and the TfNCS. Our results demonstrate the applications of in silico techniques in understanding enzyme promiscuity and specificity, with a particular emphasis on machine learning methodologies, DFT electronic structure calculations, and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brunno A Salvatti
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Marcelo A Chagas
- Departamento de Ciências Exatas, Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais, João Monlevade, Minas Gerais 35930-314, Brazil
| | - Phillipe O Fernandes
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Yan F X Ladeira
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Aline S Bozzi
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Veronica S Valadares
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Valente
- Centro Nacional de Ressonância Magnética Nuclear, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21.941-902, Brazil
| | - Amanda S de Miranda
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Willian R Rocha
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Vinicius G Maltarollo
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Adolfo H Moraes
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
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4
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Cheng L, Li D, Mai BK, Bo Z, Cheng L, Liu P, Yang Y. Stereoselective amino acid synthesis by synergistic photoredox-pyridoxal radical biocatalysis. Science 2023; 381:444-451. [PMID: 37499030 PMCID: PMC10444520 DOI: 10.1126/science.adg2420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Developing synthetically useful enzymatic reactions that are not known in biochemistry and organic chemistry is an important challenge in biocatalysis. Through the synergistic merger of photoredox catalysis and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) biocatalysis, we developed a pyridoxal radical biocatalysis approach to prepare valuable noncanonical amino acids, including those bearing a stereochemical dyad or triad, without the need for protecting groups. Using engineered PLP enzymes, either enantiomeric product could be produced in a biocatalyst-controlled fashion. Synergistic photoredox-pyridoxal radical biocatalysis represents a powerful platform with which to discover previously unknown catalytic reactions and to tame radical intermediates for asymmetric catalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Cheng
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA
| | - Dian Li
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA
| | - Binh Khanh Mai
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, USA
| | - Zhiyu Bo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA
| | - Lida Cheng
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, USA
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA
- Biomolecular Science and Engineering (BMSE) Program, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA
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5
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Mou M, Zhang C, Zhang S, Chen F, Su H, Sheng X. Uncovering the Mechanism of Azepino-Indole Skeleton Formation via Pictet-Spengler Reaction by Strictosidine Synthase: A Quantum Chemical Investigation. ChemistryOpen 2023; 12:e202300043. [PMID: 37248801 PMCID: PMC10233217 DOI: 10.1002/open.202300043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Strictosidine synthase (STR) catalyzes the Pictet-Spengler (PS) reaction of tryptamine and secologanin to produce strictosidine. Recent studies demonstrated that the enzyme can also catalyze the reaction of non-natural substrates to form new alkaloid skeletons. For example, the PS condensation of 1H-indole-4-ethanamine with secologanin could be promoted by the STR from Rauvolfia serpentina (RsSTR) to generate a rare class of skeletons with a seven-membered ring, namely azepino-[3,4,5-cd]-indoles, which are precursors for the synthesis of new compounds displaying antimalarial activity. In the present study, the detailed reaction mechanism of RsSTR-catalyzed formation of the rare seven-membered azepino-indole skeleton through the PS reaction was revealed at the atomic level by quantum chemical calculations. The structures of the transition states and intermediates involved in the reaction pathway were optimized, and the energetics of the complete reaction were analyzed. Based on our calculation results, the most likely pathway of the enzyme-catalyzed reaction was determined, and the rate-determining step of the reaction was clarified. The mechanistic details obtained in the present study are important in understanding the promiscuous activity of RsSTR in the formation of the rare azepino-indole skeleton molecule and are also helpful in designing STR enzymes for the synthesis of other new alkaloid skeleton molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingqi Mou
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial BiotechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesTianjin300308P.R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences19 A Yuquan RoadBeijing100049P.R. China
| | - Chenghua Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial BiotechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesTianjin300308P.R. China
- School of PharmacyNorth Sichuan Medical CollegeNanchong637100P.R. China
| | - Shiqing Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial BiotechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesTianjin300308P.R. China
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic BiologyNational Engineering Research Center of Industrial Enzymes and Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon ManufacturingTianjin300308P.R. China
| | - Fuqiang Chen
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial BiotechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesTianjin300308P.R. China
| | - Hao Su
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial BiotechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesTianjin300308P.R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences19 A Yuquan RoadBeijing100049P.R. China
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic BiologyNational Engineering Research Center of Industrial Enzymes and Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon ManufacturingTianjin300308P.R. China
| | - Xiang Sheng
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial BiotechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesTianjin300308P.R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences19 A Yuquan RoadBeijing100049P.R. China
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic BiologyNational Engineering Research Center of Industrial Enzymes and Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon ManufacturingTianjin300308P.R. China
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6
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De Sousa JPM, Oliveira NCSA, Fernandes PA. Rational Engineering of ( S)-Norcoclaurine Synthase for Efficient Benzylisoquinoline Alkaloids Biosynthesis. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28114265. [PMID: 37298742 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28114265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
(S)-Norcoclaurine is synthesized in vivo through a metabolic pathway that ends with (S)-norcoclaurine synthase (NCS). The former constitutes the scaffold for the biosynthesis of all benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs), including many drugs such as the opiates morphine and codeine and the semi-synthetic opioids oxycodone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone. Unfortunately, the only source of complex BIAs is the opium poppy, leaving the drug supply dependent on poppy crops. Therefore, the bioproduction of (S)-norcoclaurine in heterologous hosts, such as bacteria or yeast, is an intense area of research nowadays. The efficiency of (S)-norcoclaurine biosynthesis is strongly dependent on the catalytic efficiency of NCS. Therefore, we identified vital NCS rate-enhancing mutations through the rational transition-state macrodipole stabilization method at the Quantum Mechanics/Molecular Mechanics (QM/MM) level. The results are a step forward for obtaining NCS variants able to biosynthesize (S)-norcoclaurine on a large scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- João P M De Sousa
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno C S A Oliveira
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro A Fernandes
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
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7
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Abstract
ConspectusThe quantum chemical cluster approach has been used for modeling enzyme active sites and reaction mechanisms for more than two decades. In this methodology, a relatively small part of the enzyme around the active site is selected as a model, and quantum chemical methods, typically density functional theory, are used to calculate energies and other properties. The surrounding enzyme is modeled using implicit solvation and atom fixing techniques. Over the years, a large number of enzyme mechanisms have been solved using this method. The models have gradually become larger as a result of the faster computers, and new kinds of questions have been addressed. In this Account, we review how the cluster approach can be utilized in the field of biocatalysis. Examples from our recent work are chosen to illustrate various aspects of the methodology. The use of the cluster model to explore substrate binding is discussed first. It is emphasized that a comprehensive search is necessary in order to identify the lowest-energy binding mode(s). It is also argued that the best binding mode might not be the productive one, and the full reactions for a number of enzyme-substrate complexes have therefore to be considered to find the lowest-energy reaction pathway. Next, examples are given of how the cluster approach can help in the elucidation of detailed reaction mechanisms of biocatalytically interesting enzymes, and how this knowledge can be exploited to develop enzymes with new functions or to understand the reasons for lack of activity toward non-natural substrates. The enzymes discussed in this context are phenolic acid decarboxylase and metal-dependent decarboxylases from the amidohydrolase superfamily. Next, the application of the cluster approach in the investigation of enzymatic enantioselectivity is discussed. The reaction of strictosidine synthase is selected as a case study, where the cluster calculations could reproduce and rationalize the selectivities of both the natural and non-natural substrates. Finally, we discuss how the cluster approach can be used to guide the rational design of enzyme variants with improved activity and selectivity. Acyl transferase from Mycobacterium smegmatis serves as an instructive example here, for which the calculations could pinpoint the factors controlling the reaction specificity and enantioselectivity. The cases discussed in this Account highlight thus the value of the cluster approach as a tool in biocatalysis. It complements experiments and other computational techniques in this field and provides insights that can be used to understand existing enzymes and to develop new variants with tailored properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Sheng
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, PR China
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, PR China
| | - Fahmi Himo
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Arrhenius Laboratory, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
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Menéndez-Perdomo IM, Facchini PJ. Elucidation of the (R)-enantiospecific benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthetic pathways in sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera). Sci Rep 2023; 13:2955. [PMID: 36805479 PMCID: PMC9940101 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29415-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs) are a structurally diverse group of plant specialized metabolites found mainly in members of the order Ranunculales, including opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), for which BIA biosynthetic pathways leading to the critical drugs morphine, noscapine, and sanguinarine have been elucidated. Sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), in the order Proteales, accumulates medicinal BIAs in the proaporphine, aporphine, and bisbenzylisoquinoline structural subgroups with a prevalence of R enantiomers, opposed to the dominant S configuration occurring in the Ranunculales. Nevertheless, distinctive BIA biosynthetic routes in sacred lotus have not been explored. In planta labeling experiments and in vitro assays with recombinant enzymes and plant protein extracts showed that dopamine and 4-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde derived from L-tyrosine serve as precursors for the formation of (R,S)-norcoclaurine in sacred lotus, whereas only (R)-norcoclaurine byproducts are favored in the plant by action of R-enantiospecific methyltransferases and cytochrome P450 oxidoreductases (CYPs). Enzymes responsible for the R-enantiospecific formation of proaporphine (NnCYP80Q1) and bisbenzylisoquinoline (NnCYP80Q2) scaffolds, and a methylenedioxy bridge introduction on aporphine substrates (NnCYP719A22) were identified, whereas additional aspects of the biosynthetic pathways leading to the distinctive alkaloid profile are discussed. This work expands the availability of molecular tools that can be deployed in synthetic biology platforms for the production of high-value alkaloids.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter J Facchini
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
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9
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Deng WH, Liao RZ. Sequential C-H Methylation Catalyzed by the B 12 -Dependent SAM Enzyme TokK: Comprehensive Theoretical Study of Selectivities. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202202995. [PMID: 36321632 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202202995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
TokK is a B12 -dependent radical SAM enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of the β-lactam antibiotic asparenomycin A. It can catalyze three methylations on different sp3 -hybridized carbon positions to introduce an isopropyl side chain at the β-lactam ring of pantetheinylated carbapenem. Herein, we report a quantum chemical study of the reaction mechanism of TokK. A stepwise ''push-pull'' radical relay mechanism is proposed for each methylation: a 5'-deoxyadenosine radical first abstracts a hydrogen atom from the substrate in the active site, then methylcobalamin directionally donates a methyl group to the substrate. More importantly, calculations were able to uncover the origin of observed chemoselectivity and stereoselectivity for the first methylation and regioselectivity for the following two methylations. Further detailed distortion/interaction analysis can help to unravel the main factors controlling the selectivities. Our findings of sequential methylations by TokK could have profound implications for studying other B12 -dependent radical SAM enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hao Deng
- Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage Ministry of Education Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry and Materia Medica Hubei Key Laboratory of Materials Chemistry and Service Failure School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China
| | - Rong-Zhen Liao
- Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage Ministry of Education Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry and Materia Medica Hubei Key Laboratory of Materials Chemistry and Service Failure School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China
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10
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Scharf MJ, List B. A Catalytic Asymmetric Pictet-Spengler Platform as a Biomimetic Diversification Strategy toward Naturally Occurring Alkaloids. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:15451-15456. [PMID: 35976162 PMCID: PMC9446894 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c06664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Tetrahydroisoquinoline (THIQ) alkaloids constitute a
large and
diverse class of bioactive natural products, with the parent compounds
and related downstream biosynthetic secondary metabolites spanning
thousands of isolated structures. Chemoenzymatic synthetic approaches
toward the relevant THIQs rely on Pictet–Spenglerases such
as norcoclaurine synthase (NCS), the scope of which is strictly limited
to dopamine-related phenolic substrates. To overcome these limitations
in the context of chemical synthesis, we herein report asymmetric
Pictet–Spengler reactions of N-carbamoyl-β-arylethylamines
with diverse aldehydes toward enantioenriched THIQs. The obtained
products proved to be competent intermediates in the synthesis of
THIQ, aporphine, tetrahydroberberine, morphinan, and androcymbine
natural products. Novel catalyst design with regard to the stabilization
of cationic intermediates was crucial to accomplish high reactivity
while simultaneously achieving unprecedented stereoselectivity for
the reaction of biologically relevant substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel J Scharf
- Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz 1, 45470Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
| | - Benjamin List
- Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz 1, 45470Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
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11
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Tonazzi A, Giangregorio N, Console L, Calvano CD, Prejanò M, Scalise M, Incampo G, Marino T, Russo N, Cataldi TRI, Indiveri C. Inhibition of the carnitine acylcarnitine carrier by carbon monoxide reveals a novel mechanism of action with non-metal-containing proteins. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 188:395-403. [PMID: 35792242 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.06.244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Both toxic and physiological effects of CO are mostly caused by well described interactions with heme-groups of proteins. Interactions of CO with non-heme proteins have also been unveiled. Besides interaction of CO with mitochondrial heme containing respiratory complexes, a BK channel and the phosphate carrier which do not contain metal cofactors, have been identified as CO targets. However, the molecular mechanisms of interaction with non-metal-containing proteins are not understood. We show in this work the effect of CO on the mitochondrial carnitine carrier (SLC25A20) using CORM-3, a widely recognized CO releasing compound. CO exerts an inhibitory effect at the micromolar concentration on the transport function of the transporter extracted from treated mitochondria. The effect is due to a single Cys residue, C136 as revealed by mass spectrometry analysis. A computational approach predicted the need for vicinal Asp and Lys residues for the C136 carbonylation to occur. These data demonstrate a novel mechanism of interaction of CO with a protein not containing metal atoms and will enable the prediction of CO targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Tonazzi
- CNR Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), via Amendola 122/O, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Giangregorio
- CNR Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), via Amendola 122/O, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Lara Console
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Via Bucci 4C, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Cosima Damiana Calvano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bari Aldo Moro, via Orabona 4, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Mario Prejanò
- Department CTC (Chemistry and Chemical Technology) University of Calabria, Via Bucci 14C, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Mariafrancesca Scalise
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Via Bucci 4C, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Giovanna Incampo
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology, and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, via Orabona 4, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Tiziana Marino
- Department CTC (Chemistry and Chemical Technology) University of Calabria, Via Bucci 14C, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Nino Russo
- Department CTC (Chemistry and Chemical Technology) University of Calabria, Via Bucci 14C, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Tommaso R I Cataldi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bari Aldo Moro, via Orabona 4, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- CNR Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), via Amendola 122/O, 70126, Bari, Italy; Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Via Bucci 4C, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy.
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12
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Mai BK, Neris NM, Yang Y, Liu P. C-N Bond Forming Radical Rebound Is the Enantioselectivity-Determining Step in P411-Catalyzed Enantioselective C(sp 3)-H Amination: A Combined Computational and Experimental Investigation. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:11215-11225. [PMID: 35583461 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c02283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Engineered metalloenzymes represent promising catalysts for stereoselective C-H functionalization reactions. Recently, P450 enzymes have been evolved to allow for new-to-nature intramolecular C(sp3)-H amination reactions via a nitrene transfer mechanism, giving rise to diamine derivatives with excellent enantiocontrol. To shed light on the origin of enantioselectivity, a combined computational and experimental study was carried out. Hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics calculations were performed to investigate the activation energies and enantioselectivities of both the hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) and the subsequent C-N bond forming radical rebound steps. Contrary to previously hypothesized enantioinduction mechanisms, our calculations show that the radical rebound step is enantioselectivity-determining, whereas the preceding HAT step is only moderately stereoselective. Furthermore, the selectivity in the initial HAT is ablated by rapid conformational change of the radical intermediate prior to C-N bond formation. This finding is corroborated by our experimental study using a set of enantiomerically pure, monodeuterated substrates. Furthermore, classical and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations were carried out to investigate the conformational flexibility of the carbon-centered radical intermediate. This key radical species undergoes a facile conformational change in the enzyme active site from the pro-(R) to the pro-(S) configuration, whereas the radical rebound is slower due to the spin-state change and ring strain of the cyclization process, thereby allowing stereoablative C-N bond formation. Together, these studies revealed an underappreciated enantioinduction mechanism in biocatalytic C(sp3)-H functionalizations involving radical intermediates, opening up new avenues for the development of other challenging asymmetric C(sp3)-H functionalizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binh Khanh Mai
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Natalia M Neris
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Biomolecular Science and Engineering (BMSE) Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
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13
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Zhan X, Chen Z, Chen R, Shen C. Environmental and Genetic Factors Involved in Plant Protection-Associated Secondary Metabolite Biosynthesis Pathways. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:877304. [PMID: 35463424 PMCID: PMC9024250 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.877304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Plant specialized metabolites (PSMs) play essential roles in the adaptation to harsh environments and function in plant defense responses. PSMs act as key components of defense-related signaling pathways and trigger the extensive expression of defense-related genes. In addition, PSMs serve as antioxidants, participating in the scavenging of rapidly rising reactive oxygen species, and as chelators, participating in the chelation of toxins under stress conditions. PSMs include nitrogen-containing chemical compounds, terpenoids/isoprenoids, and phenolics. Each category of secondary metabolites has a specific biosynthetic pathway, including precursors, intermediates, and end products. The basic biosynthetic pathways of representative PSMs are summarized, providing potential target enzymes of stress-mediated regulation and responses. Multiple metabolic pathways share the same origin, and the common enzymes are frequently to be the targets of metabolic regulation. Most biosynthetic pathways are controlled by different environmental and genetic factors. Here, we summarized the effects of environmental factors, including abiotic and biotic stresses, on PSM biosynthesis in various plants. We also discuss the positive and negative transcription factors involved in various PSM biosynthetic pathways. The potential target genes of the stress-related transcription factors were also summarized. We further found that the downstream targets of these Transcription factors (TFs) are frequently enriched in the synthesis pathway of precursors, suggesting an effective role of precursors in enhancing of terminal products. The present review provides valuable insights regarding screening targets and regulators involved in PSM-mediated plant protection in non-model plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaori Zhan
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhehao Chen
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Rong Chen
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenjia Shen
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
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14
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Stępień KA, Giebułtowicz J. Application of Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Mass Spectrometry in Quality Assessment of Dietary Supplements-A Case Study of Tryptophan Supplements: Release Assay, Targeted and Untargeted Studies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:448. [PMID: 35455446 PMCID: PMC9031539 DOI: 10.3390/ph15040448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Dietary supplements are widely consumed in the EU and the USA. Based on their similarity to pharmaceuticals, consumers mistakenly believe that dietary supplements have also been approved for safety and efficacy. However, in the absence of mandatory testing, data on supplement quality is scarce. Thus, we applied liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry to analyse the quality of dietary supplements containing tryptophan (Trp). We examined 22 supplements in tablets or capsules, produced in the USA, Great Britain, Germany, France, Czech Republic, and Poland. Trp release, crucial for bioavailability and efficiency, was assessed. Additionally, we performed a qualitative analysis of the main ingredient and screened for contaminants. Among the contaminants, we detected Trp's metabolites, condensation products of Trp and carbonyl compounds, Trp degradation products, degradation products of kynurenine, and other contaminants such as glucosamine and melatonin. The main ingredient content was in the range of 55-100% in capsules and 69-87% in tablets. Surprisingly, almost no Trp release was noted from some supplements. Our study confirms the need to advance research on supplements. We believe that the high-quality analysis of supplements based on reliable analytical techniques will be an important contribution to the discussion on the regulatory framework of these products.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joanna Giebułtowicz
- Department of Bioanalysis and Drugs Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 1 Banacha, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
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15
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Zhou S, Xu X, Wang L, Liu L, Kuang H, Xu C. Rapid, on-site quantitative determination of higenamine in functional food using a time-resolved fluorescence microsphere test strip. Food Chem 2022; 387:132859. [PMID: 35390606 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.132859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Higenamine (HIG), a benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloid found naturally in plants, is classified as an S3 Prohibited Substance in the 2020 World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) report. To avoid problems such as doping violations in competitive events, it is necessary to develop rapid and sensitive detection methods. In this study, a highly-sensitive anti-HIG monoclonal antibody (mAb) was prepared and a time-resolved fluorescent microsphere immunochromatographic test strip (TRFM-ICTS) was established for the rapid quantitative detection of HIG in functional foods. Under optimized conditions, the TRFM-ICTS was compared with colloidal gold immunochromatographic test strip (CG-ICTS), and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of TRFM-ICTS was 1.37 ng/mL. The spiked recoveries ranged from 86.4% to 105.3%, which was consistent with the results of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in the detection of real functional food. Therefore, TRFM-ICTS can be a candidate method for doping monitoring in functional foods and a powerful tool for HIG quantification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengyang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Biointerface and Biodetection, and School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinxin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Biointerface and Biodetection, and School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Biointerface and Biodetection, and School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Liqiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Biointerface and Biodetection, and School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Kuang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Biointerface and Biodetection, and School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuanlai Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Biointerface and Biodetection, and School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China.
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16
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Wu D, Yang K, Zhang Z, Feng Y, Rao L, Chen X, Yu G. Metal-free bioorthogonal click chemistry in cancer theranostics. Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:1336-1376. [PMID: 35050284 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00451d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Bioorthogonal chemistry is a powerful tool to site-specifically activate drugs in living systems. Bioorthogonal reactions between a pair of biologically reactive groups can rapidly and specifically take place in a mild physiological milieu without perturbing inherent biochemical processes. Attributed to their high selectivity and efficiency, bioorthogonal reactions can significantly decrease background signals in bioimaging. Compared with metal-catalyzed bioorthogonal click reactions, metal-free click reactions are more biocompatible without the metal catalyst-induced cytotoxicity. Although a great number of bioorthogonal chemistry-based strategies have been reported for cancer theranostics, a comprehensive review is scarce to highlight the advantages of these strategies. In this review, recent progress in cancer theranostics guided by metal-free bioorthogonal click chemistry will be depicted in detail. The elaborate design as well as the advantages of bioorthogonal chemistry in tumor theranostics are summarized and future prospects in this emerging field are emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology Hangzhou, 310014, P. R. China.
| | - Kuikun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau 999078, P. R. China
| | - Zhankui Zhang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology Hangzhou, 310014, P. R. China.
| | - Yunxuan Feng
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China.
| | - Lang Rao
- Institute of Biomedical Health Technology and Engineering, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518132, P. R. China.
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore.
| | - Guocan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China.
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17
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Prejanò M, Sheng X, Himo F. Computational Study of Mechanism and Enantioselectivity of Imine Reductase from Amycolatopsis orientalis. ChemistryOpen 2022; 11:e202100250. [PMID: 34825518 PMCID: PMC8734122 DOI: 10.1002/open.202100250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Imine reductases (IREDs) are NADPH-dependent enzymes (NADPH=nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) that catalyze the reduction of imines to amines. They exhibit high enantioselectivity for a broad range of substrates, making them of interest for biocatalytic applications. In this work, we have employed density functional theory (DFT) calculations to elucidate the reaction mechanism and the origins of enantioselectivity of IRED from Amycolatopsis orientalis. Two substrates are considered, namely 1-methyl-3,4-dihydroisoquinoline and 2-propyl-piperideine. A model of the active site is built on the basis of the available crystal structure. For both substrates, different binding modes are first evaluated, followed by calculation of the hydride transfer transition states from each complex. We have also investigated the effect of mutations of certain important active site residues (Tyr179Ala and Asn241Ala) on the enantioselectivity. The calculated energies are consistent with the experimental observations and the analysis of transition states geometries provides insights into the origins of enantioselectivity of this enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Prejanò
- Department of Organic ChemistryArrhenius LaboratoryStockholm University10691StockholmSweden
| | - Xiang Sheng
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial BiotechnologyChinese Academy of Sciences and National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic BiologyTianjin300308China
| | - Fahmi Himo
- Department of Organic ChemistryArrhenius LaboratoryStockholm University10691StockholmSweden
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18
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Sousa JPM, Ramos MJ, Fernandes PA. Modern strategies for the diversification of the supply of natural compounds - the case of alkaloid painkillers. Chembiochem 2021; 23:e202100623. [PMID: 34971022 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Plant-derived natural compounds are used for treating diseases since the beginning of humankind. The supply of many plant-derived natural compounds for medicinal purposes, such as thebaine, morphine, and codeine, is, nowadays, majorly dependent on opium poppy crop harvesting. This dependency puts an extra risk factor in ensuring the supply chain because crops are highly susceptible to environmental factors. Emerging technologies, such as biocatalysis, might help to solve this problem, by diversifying the sources of supply of these compounds. Here we review the first committed step in the production of alkaloid painkillers, the production of S-norcoclaurine, and the enzymes involved. The improvement of these enzymes can be carried out by experimental directed evolution and rational design strategies, supported by computational methods, to create variants that produce the S-norcoclaurine precursor for alkaloid painkillers in heterologous organisms, meeting the pharmaceutical industry standards and needs without depending on opium poppy crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Pedro Marques Sousa
- REQUIMTE LAQV Porto, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007, Porto, PORTUGAL
| | - Maria J Ramos
- FCUP: Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Ciencias, Chemistry and Biochemistry, PORTUGAL
| | - Pedro A Fernandes
- Universidade do Porto, Department of Chemistry Theoretical and Computational Chemistry Group, Rua do Campo Alegre, 687, 4169-007, Porto, PORTUGAL
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19
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Holbrook OT, Molligoda B, Bushell KN, Gobrogge KL. Behavioral consequences of the downstream products of ethanol metabolism involved in alcohol use disorder. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 133:104501. [PMID: 34942269 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Research concerning Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) has previously focused primarily on either the behavioral or chemical consequences experienced following ethanol intake, but these areas of research have rarely been considered in tandem. Compared with other drugs of abuse, ethanol has been shown to have a unique metabolic pathway once it enters the body, which leads to the formation of downstream metabolites which can go on to form biologically active products. These metabolites can mediate a variety of behavioral responses that are commonly observed with AUD, such as ethanol intake, reinforcement, and vulnerability to relapse. The following review considers the preclinical and chemical research implicating these downstream products in AUD and proposes a chemobehavioral model of AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otto T Holbrook
- Program in Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215-2425, USA.
| | - Brandon Molligoda
- Program in Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215-2425, USA.
| | - Kristen N Bushell
- Program in Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215-2425, USA
| | - Kyle L Gobrogge
- Program in Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215-2425, USA
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20
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Abstract
1,2,3,4-Tetrahydroisoquinolines form a valuable scaffold for a variety of bioactive secondary metabolites and commercial pharmaceuticals. Due to the harsh or complex conditions of the conventional chemical synthesis of this molecular motif, alternative mild reaction pathways are in demand. Here we present an easy-to-operate chemoenzymatic one-pot process for the synthesis of tetrahydroisoquinolines starting from benzylic alcohols and an amino alcohol. We initially demonstrate the oxidation of 12 benzylic alcohols by a laccase/TEMPO system to the corresponding aldehydes, which are subsequently integrated in a phosphate salt mediated Pictet–Spengler reaction with m-tyramine. The reaction conditions of both individual reactions were analyzed separately, adapted to each other, and a straightforward one-pot process was developed. This enables the production of 12 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines with yields of up to 87% with constant reaction conditions in phosphate buffer and common laboratory glass bottles without the supplementation of any additives.
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21
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Liang L, Zhou S, Zhang W, Tong R. Catalytic Asymmetric Alkynylation of 3,4-Dihydro-β-carbolinium Ions Enables Collective Total Syntheses of Indole Alkaloids. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:25135-25142. [PMID: 34581483 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202112383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Chiral tetrahydro-β-carboline (THβC) is not only a prevailing structural feature of many natural alkaloids but also a versatile synthetic precursor for a vast array of monoterpenoid indole alkaloids. Asymmetric synthesis of C1-alkynyl THβCs remains rarely explored and challenging. Herein, we describe the development of two complementary approaches for the catalytic asymmetric alkynylation of 3,4-dihydro-β-carbolinium ions with up to 96 % yield and 99 % ee. The utility of chiral C1-alkynyl THβCs was demonstrated by the collective total syntheses of seven indole alkaloids: harmicine, eburnamonine, desethyleburnamonine, larutensine, geissoschizol, geissochizine, and akuammicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixin Liang
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shiqiang Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Rongbiao Tong
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.,Hong Kong Branch of the Guangdong Southern Marine Science and Engineering Laboratory (Guangzhou), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
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22
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Liang L, Zhou S, Zhang W, Tong R. Catalytic Asymmetric Alkynylation of 3,4‐Dihydro‐β‐carbolinium Ions Enables Collective Total Syntheses of Indole Alkaloids. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202112383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lixin Liang
- Department of Chemistry The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Clear Water Bay, Kowloon Hong Kong China
| | - Shiqiang Zhou
- Department of Chemistry The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Clear Water Bay, Kowloon Hong Kong China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Chemistry The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Clear Water Bay, Kowloon Hong Kong China
| | - Rongbiao Tong
- Department of Chemistry The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Clear Water Bay, Kowloon Hong Kong China
- Hong Kong Branch of the Guangdong Southern Marine Science and Engineering Laboratory (Guangzhou) The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Clear Water Bay, Kowloon Hong Kong China
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23
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Liu X, Bu J, Ma Y, Chen Y, Li Q, Jiao X, Hu Z, Cui G, Tang J, Guo J, Huang L. Functional characterization of (S)-N-methylcoclaurine 3'-hydroxylase (NMCH) involved in the biosynthesis of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids in Corydalis yanhusuo. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2021; 168:507-515. [PMID: 34757301 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2021.09.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs) are compounds naturally found in plants and can have significant value in clinical settings. Metabolic engineering and synthetic biology are both promising approaches for the heterologous acquisition of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids. (S)-N-methylcoclaurine 3'-hydroxylase (NMCH), a member of the CYP80 family of CYP450, is the penultimate catalytic enzyme that forms the central branch-point intermediate (S)-reticuline and plays a key role in the biosynthesis of BIAs. In this study, an NMCH gene was cloned from Corydalis yanhusuo, while in vitro reactions demonstrated that CyNMCH can catalyze (S)-N-methylcoclaurine to produce (S)-3'-hydroxy-N-methylcoclaurine. The Km and Kcat of CyNMCH were estimated and compared with those identified in Eschscholzia californica and Coptis japonica. This newly discovered CyNMCH will provide alternative genetic resources for the synthetic biological production of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids and provides a foundation to help analyze the biosynthetic pathway of BIAs biosynthesis in C. yanhusuo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuyu Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No. 156 Jinshuidong Road, Zhengzhou, 450008, China; State Key Laboratory of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, NO.16 Neinanxiaojie, Dongcheng district, Beijing, China.
| | - Junling Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, NO.16 Neinanxiaojie, Dongcheng district, Beijing, China.
| | - Ying Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, NO.16 Neinanxiaojie, Dongcheng district, Beijing, China.
| | - Yun Chen
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Kemivägen 10, SE41296, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Qishuang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, NO.16 Neinanxiaojie, Dongcheng district, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiang Jiao
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Kemivägen 10, SE41296, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Zhimin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, NO.16 Neinanxiaojie, Dongcheng district, Beijing, China.
| | - Guanghong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, NO.16 Neinanxiaojie, Dongcheng district, Beijing, China.
| | - Jinfu Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, NO.16 Neinanxiaojie, Dongcheng district, Beijing, China.
| | - Juan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, NO.16 Neinanxiaojie, Dongcheng district, Beijing, China.
| | - Luqi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, NO.16 Neinanxiaojie, Dongcheng district, Beijing, China.
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24
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Recent advances in biocatalysis of nitrogen-containing heterocycles. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 54:107813. [PMID: 34450199 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Nitrogen-containing heterocycles (N-heterocycles) are ubiquitous in both organisms and pharmaceutical products. Biocatalysts are providing green approaches for synthesizing various N-heterocycles under mild reaction conditions. This review summarizes the recent advances in the biocatalysis of N-heterocycles through the discovery and engineering of natural N-heterocycle synthetic pathway, and the design of artificial synthetic routes, with an emphasis on biocatalysts applied in retrosynthetic design for preparing complex N-heterocycles. Furthermore, this review discusses the future prospects and challenges of biocatalysts involved in the synthesis of N-heterocycles.
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25
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Cigan E, Eggbauer B, Schrittwieser JH, Kroutil W. The role of biocatalysis in the asymmetric synthesis of alkaloids - an update. RSC Adv 2021; 11:28223-28270. [PMID: 35480754 PMCID: PMC9038100 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra04181a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Alkaloids are a group of natural products with interesting pharmacological properties and a long history of medicinal application. Their complex molecular structures have fascinated chemists for decades, and their total synthesis still poses a considerable challenge. In a previous review, we have illustrated how biocatalysis can make valuable contributions to the asymmetric synthesis of alkaloids. The chemo-enzymatic strategies discussed therein have been further explored and improved in recent years, and advances in amine biocatalysis have vastly expanded the opportunities for incorporating enzymes into synthetic routes towards these important natural products. The present review summarises modern developments in chemo-enzymatic alkaloid synthesis since 2013, in which the biocatalytic transformations continue to take an increasingly 'central' role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Cigan
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, NAWI Graz, BioTechMed Graz, BioHealth Heinrichstrasse 28/II 8010 Graz Austria
| | - Bettina Eggbauer
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, NAWI Graz, BioTechMed Graz, BioHealth Heinrichstrasse 28/II 8010 Graz Austria
| | - Joerg H Schrittwieser
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, NAWI Graz, BioTechMed Graz, BioHealth Heinrichstrasse 28/II 8010 Graz Austria
| | - Wolfgang Kroutil
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, NAWI Graz, BioTechMed Graz, BioHealth Heinrichstrasse 28/II 8010 Graz Austria
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26
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Ding Y, Cui K, Guo Z, Cui M, Chen Y. Manganese peroxidase mediated oxidation of sulfamethoxazole: Integrating the computational analysis to reveal the reaction kinetics, mechanistic insights, and oxidation pathway. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 415:125719. [PMID: 33774358 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In this study, manganese peroxidase (MnP) was applied to induce the in vitro oxidation of sulfamethoxazole (SMX). The results indicated that 87.04% of the SMX was transformed and followed first-order kinetics (kobs=0.438 h-1) within 6 h when 40 U L-1 of MnP was added. The reaction kinetics were investigated under different conditions, including pH, MnP activity, and H2O2 concentration. The active species Mn3+ was responsible for the oxidation of SMX, and the Mn3+ production rate was monitored to reveal the interaction among MnP, Mn3+, and SMX. By integrating the characterizations analysis of the MnP/H2O2 system with the density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) process dominated the catalytic circle of MnP and the transformation of Mn3+. Additionally, possible oxidation pathways of SMX were proposed based on single-electron transfer mechanism, which primarily included the S-N bond cleavage, the C-S bond cleavage, and one electron loss without bond breakage. It was then transformed to hydrolysis, N-H oxidation, self-coupling, and carboxylic acid coupling products. This study provides insights into the atomic-level mechanism of MnP and the transformation pathways of sulfamethoxazole, which lays a significant foundation for the potential of MnP in wastewater treatment applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Ding
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China; Key Laboratory of Nanominerals and Pollution Control of Higher Education Institutes, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Kangping Cui
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China; Key Laboratory of Nanominerals and Pollution Control of Higher Education Institutes, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China.
| | - Zhi Guo
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China; Key Laboratory of Nanominerals and Pollution Control of Higher Education Institutes, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Minshu Cui
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China; Key Laboratory of Nanominerals and Pollution Control of Higher Education Institutes, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Yihan Chen
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China; Key Laboratory of Nanominerals and Pollution Control of Higher Education Institutes, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
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27
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Yi D, Bayer T, Badenhorst CPS, Wu S, Doerr M, Höhne M, Bornscheuer UT. Recent trends in biocatalysis. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:8003-8049. [PMID: 34142684 PMCID: PMC8288269 DOI: 10.1039/d0cs01575j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Biocatalysis has undergone revolutionary progress in the past century. Benefited by the integration of multidisciplinary technologies, natural enzymatic reactions are constantly being explored. Protein engineering gives birth to robust biocatalysts that are widely used in industrial production. These research achievements have gradually constructed a network containing natural enzymatic synthesis pathways and artificially designed enzymatic cascades. Nowadays, the development of artificial intelligence, automation, and ultra-high-throughput technology provides infinite possibilities for the discovery of novel enzymes, enzymatic mechanisms and enzymatic cascades, and gradually complements the lack of remaining key steps in the pathway design of enzymatic total synthesis. Therefore, the research of biocatalysis is gradually moving towards the era of novel technology integration, intelligent manufacturing and enzymatic total synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Yi
- Department of Biotechnology & Enzyme Catalysis, Institute of Biochemistry, University GreifswaldFelix-Hausdorff-Str. 4D-17487 GreifswaldGermany
| | - Thomas Bayer
- Department of Biotechnology & Enzyme Catalysis, Institute of Biochemistry, University GreifswaldFelix-Hausdorff-Str. 4D-17487 GreifswaldGermany
| | - Christoffel P. S. Badenhorst
- Department of Biotechnology & Enzyme Catalysis, Institute of Biochemistry, University GreifswaldFelix-Hausdorff-Str. 4D-17487 GreifswaldGermany
| | - Shuke Wu
- Department of Biotechnology & Enzyme Catalysis, Institute of Biochemistry, University GreifswaldFelix-Hausdorff-Str. 4D-17487 GreifswaldGermany
| | - Mark Doerr
- Department of Biotechnology & Enzyme Catalysis, Institute of Biochemistry, University GreifswaldFelix-Hausdorff-Str. 4D-17487 GreifswaldGermany
| | - Matthias Höhne
- Department of Biotechnology & Enzyme Catalysis, Institute of Biochemistry, University GreifswaldFelix-Hausdorff-Str. 4D-17487 GreifswaldGermany
| | - Uwe T. Bornscheuer
- Department of Biotechnology & Enzyme Catalysis, Institute of Biochemistry, University GreifswaldFelix-Hausdorff-Str. 4D-17487 GreifswaldGermany
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28
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Wu L, Qin L, Nie Y, Xu Y, Zhao YL. Computer-aided understanding and engineering of enzymatic selectivity. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 54:107793. [PMID: 34217814 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Enzymes offering chemo-, regio-, and stereoselectivity enable the asymmetric synthesis of high-value chiral molecules. Unfortunately, the drawback that naturally occurring enzymes are often inefficient or have undesired selectivity toward non-native substrates hinders the broadening of biocatalytic applications. To match the demands of specific selectivity in asymmetric synthesis, biochemists have implemented various computer-aided strategies in understanding and engineering enzymatic selectivity, diversifying the available repository of artificial enzymes. Here, given that the entire asymmetric catalytic cycle, involving precise interactions within the active pocket and substrate transport in the enzyme channel, could affect the enzymatic efficiency and selectivity, we presented a comprehensive overview of the computer-aided workflow for enzymatic selectivity. This review includes a mechanistic understanding of enzymatic selectivity based on quantum mechanical calculations, rational design of enzymatic selectivity guided by enzyme-substrate interactions, and enzymatic selectivity regulation via enzyme channel engineering. Finally, we discussed the computational paradigm for designing enzyme selectivity in silico to facilitate the advancement of asymmetric biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lunjie Wu
- School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Lei Qin
- School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Yao Nie
- School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Suqian Industrial Technology Research Institute of Jiangnan University, Suqian 223814, China.
| | - Yan Xu
- School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Yi-Lei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, MOE-LSB & MOE-LSC, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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29
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Prejanò M, Vidossich P, Russo N, De Vivo M, Marino T. Insights into the Catalytic Mechanism of Domains CD1 and CD2 in Histone Deacetylase 6 from Quantum Calculations. ACS Catal 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.0c04729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Prejanò
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università della Calabria, Via Ponte Pietro Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Pietro Vidossich
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Drug Discovery, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Nino Russo
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università della Calabria, Via Ponte Pietro Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Marco De Vivo
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Drug Discovery, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Tiziana Marino
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università della Calabria, Via Ponte Pietro Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
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30
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Nuntawong P, Ochi A, Chaingam J, Tanaka H, Sakamoto S, Morimoto S. The colloidal gold nanoparticle-based lateral flow immunoassay for fast and simple detection of plant-derived doping agent, higenamine. Drug Test Anal 2020; 13:762-769. [PMID: 33217196 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Higenamine (HM), an alkaloid found in various plant species, is obtained when norcoclaurine synthase selectively condenses dopamine and 4-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde to give (S)-higenamine ((S)-HM). The World Anti-doping Agency has listed HM as a prohibited agent in athletics. As a result, many commercial, academic, and regulatory bodies across the globe are invested in finding a rapid method for (S)-HM detection. In the current study, a lateral flow immunoassay (LFA) was developed in which the relevant biosensor was generated as a conjugate of the monoclonal antibody against (S)-HM (namely, MAb E8) and colloidal gold nanoparticles. The HM-γ-globulin conjugates and rabbit anti-mouse IgG antibodies were placed in the test and control zones, respectively. The free (S)-HM molecules in the samples and the immobilized HM-γ-globulin conjugates competitively reacted with the developed biosensor in the LFA. An inverse relationship existed between the biosensors' visible response, which was noted by the variation in the intensity of a pinkish spot in the test zone, and the content of the free (S)-HM. The limit of detection of the developed LFA was 156 ng/mL. Various validation methods confirmed that the LFA exhibited sufficient sensitivity, selectivity, repeatability, and reliability, making it ideal for (S)-HM detection in plant samples and plant-containing products. The developed system required only a small sample volume (20 μL) and a concise sample preparation time compared with conventional LFAs. Thus, the LFA reported in this study could serve as a rapid response kit for the detection of (S)-HM in plant samples.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Akihiro Ochi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Jiranan Chaingam
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Hiroyuki Tanaka
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Seiichi Sakamoto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Morimoto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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31
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Roddan R, Sula A, Méndez-Sánchez D, Subrizi F, Lichman BR, Broomfield J, Richter M, Andexer JN, Ward JM, Keep NH, Hailes HC. Single step syntheses of (1S)-aryl-tetrahydroisoquinolines by norcoclaurine synthases. Commun Chem 2020; 3:170. [PMID: 36703392 PMCID: PMC9814250 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-020-00416-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The 1-aryl-tetrahydroisoquinoline (1-aryl-THIQ) moiety is found in many biologically active molecules. Single enantiomer chemical syntheses are challenging and although some biocatalytic routes have been reported, the substrate scope is limited to certain structural motifs. The enzyme norcoclaurine synthase (NCS), involved in plant alkaloid biosynthesis, has been shown to perform stereoselective Pictet-Spengler reactions between dopamine and several carbonyl substrates. Here, benzaldehydes are explored as substrates and found to be accepted by both wild-type and mutant constructs of NCS. In particular, the variant M97V gives a range of (1 S)-aryl-THIQs in high yields (48-99%) and e.e.s (79-95%). A co-crystallised structure of the M97V variant with an active site reaction intermediate analogue is also obtained with the ligand in a pre-cyclisation conformation, consistent with (1 S)-THIQs formation. Selected THIQs are then used with catechol O-methyltransferases with exceptional regioselectivity. This work demonstrates valuable biocatalytic approaches to a range of (1 S)-THIQs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Roddan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck College, London, WC1E 7HX, UK
- Department of Chemistry, Christopher Ingold Building, University College London, London, WC1H 0AJ, UK
| | - Altin Sula
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck College, London, WC1E 7HX, UK
| | - Daniel Méndez-Sánchez
- Department of Chemistry, Christopher Ingold Building, University College London, London, WC1H 0AJ, UK
| | - Fabiana Subrizi
- Department of Chemistry, Christopher Ingold Building, University College London, London, WC1H 0AJ, UK
| | - Benjamin R Lichman
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, Bernard Katz Building, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products, Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Joseph Broomfield
- Department of Chemistry, Christopher Ingold Building, University College London, London, WC1H 0AJ, UK
| | - Michael Richter
- Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, Schulgasse 11a, 94315, Straubing, Germany
| | - Jennifer N Andexer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Albertstrasse 25, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - John M Ward
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, Bernard Katz Building, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Nicholas H Keep
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck College, London, WC1E 7HX, UK.
| | - Helen C Hailes
- Department of Chemistry, Christopher Ingold Building, University College London, London, WC1H 0AJ, UK.
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32
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Sheng X, Himo F. Computational Study of Pictet–Spenglerase Strictosidine Synthase: Reaction Mechanism and Origins of Enantioselectivity of Natural and Non-Natural Substrates. ACS Catal 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.0c03758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Sheng
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Arrhenius Laboratory, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fahmi Himo
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Arrhenius Laboratory, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
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33
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Morris JS, Caldo KMP, Liang S, Facchini PJ. PR10/Bet v1-like Proteins as Novel Contributors to Plant Biochemical Diversity. Chembiochem 2020; 22:264-287. [PMID: 32700448 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins constitute a broad class of plant proteins with analogues found throughout nature from bacteria to higher eukaryotes. PR proteins were first noted in plants as part of the hypersensitive response, but have since been assigned an array of biological roles. The PR10/Bet v1-like proteins are a subset of PR proteins characterized by an ability to bind a wide range of lipophilic ligands, uniquely positioning them as contributors to specialized biosynthetic pathways. PR10/Bet v1-like proteins participate in the production of plant alkaloids and phenolics including flavonoids, both as general binding proteins and in special cases as catalysts. Owing initially to the perceived allergenic properties of PR10/Bet v1-like proteins, many were studied at the structural level to elucidate the basis for ligand binding. These studies provided a foundation for more recent efforts to understand higher-level structural order and how PR10/Bet v1-like proteins catalyse key reactions in plant pathways. Synthetic biology aimed at reconstituting plant-specialized metabolism in microorganisms uses knowledge of these proteins to fine-tune performance in new systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy S Morris
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive N.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2N N4, Canada
| | - Kristian Mark P Caldo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive N.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2N N4, Canada
| | - Siyu Liang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive N.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2N N4, Canada
| | - Peter J Facchini
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive N.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2N N4, Canada
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34
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Lichman BR. The scaffold-forming steps of plant alkaloid biosynthesis. Nat Prod Rep 2020; 38:103-129. [PMID: 32745157 DOI: 10.1039/d0np00031k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Alkaloids from plants are characterised by structural diversity and bioactivity, and maintain a privileged position in both modern and traditional medicines. In recent years, there have been significant advances in elucidating the biosynthetic origins of plant alkaloids. In this review, I will describe the progress made in determining the metabolic origins of the so-called true alkaloids, specialised metabolites derived from amino acids containing a nitrogen heterocycle. By identifying key biosynthetic steps that feature in the majority of pathways, I highlight the key roles played by modifications to primary metabolism, iminium reactivity and spontaneous reactions in the molecular and evolutionary origins of these pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin R Lichman
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products, Department of Biology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK.
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35
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Xu Z, Yao P, Sheng X, Li J, Li J, Yu S, Feng J, Wu Q, Zhu D. Biocatalytic Access to 1,4-Diazepanes via Imine Reductase-Catalyzed Intramolecular Asymmetric Reductive Amination. ACS Catal 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.0c02400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zefei Xu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19(A) Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Enzymes and Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Biocatalytic Technology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Xi Qi Dao, Tianjin Airport Economic Area, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Peiyuan Yao
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19(A) Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Enzymes and Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Biocatalytic Technology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Xi Qi Dao, Tianjin Airport Economic Area, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Xiang Sheng
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Arrhenius Laboratory, Stockholm University, Stockholm SE-10691, Sweden
| | - Jinlong Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Enzymes and Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Biocatalytic Technology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Xi Qi Dao, Tianjin Airport Economic Area, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Jianjiong Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Enzymes and Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Biocatalytic Technology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Xi Qi Dao, Tianjin Airport Economic Area, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Shanshan Yu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Enzymes and Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Biocatalytic Technology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Xi Qi Dao, Tianjin Airport Economic Area, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Jinhui Feng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Enzymes and Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Biocatalytic Technology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Xi Qi Dao, Tianjin Airport Economic Area, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Qiaqing Wu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19(A) Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Enzymes and Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Biocatalytic Technology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Xi Qi Dao, Tianjin Airport Economic Area, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Dunming Zhu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19(A) Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Enzymes and Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Biocatalytic Technology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Xi Qi Dao, Tianjin Airport Economic Area, Tianjin 300308, China
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36
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Zetzsche LE, Narayan ARH. Broadening the scope of biocatalytic C-C bond formation. Nat Rev Chem 2020; 4:334-346. [PMID: 34430708 PMCID: PMC8382263 DOI: 10.1038/s41570-020-0191-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The impeccable control over chemo-, site-, and stereoselectivity possible in enzymatic reactions has led to a surge in the development of new biocatalytic methods. Despite carbon-carbon (C-C) bonds providing the central framework for organic molecules, development of biocatalytic methods for their formation has been largely confined to the use of a select few lyases over the last several decades, limiting the types of C-C bond-forming transformations possible through biocatalytic methods. This Review provides an update on the suite of enzymes available for highly selective biocatalytic C-C bond formation. Examples will be discussed in reference to the (1) native activity of enzymes, (2) alteration of activity through protein or substrate engineering for broader applicability, and (3) utility of the biocatalyst for abiotic synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara E. Zetzsche
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Alison R. H. Narayan
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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37
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Sheng X, Kazemi M, Planas F, Himo F. Modeling Enzymatic Enantioselectivity using Quantum Chemical Methodology. ACS Catal 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.0c00983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Sheng
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Arrhenius Laboratory, Stockholm University, Stockholm SE-106 91, Sweden
| | - Masoud Kazemi
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Arrhenius Laboratory, Stockholm University, Stockholm SE-106 91, Sweden
| | - Ferran Planas
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Arrhenius Laboratory, Stockholm University, Stockholm SE-106 91, Sweden
| | - Fahmi Himo
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Arrhenius Laboratory, Stockholm University, Stockholm SE-106 91, Sweden
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38
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Gygli G, Pleiss J. Simulation Foundry: Automated and F.A.I.R. Molecular Modeling. J Chem Inf Model 2020; 60:1922-1927. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.0c00018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gudrun Gygli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Juergen Pleiss
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
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39
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Pérez-Soto R, Besora M, Maseras F. The Challenge of Reproducing with Calculations Raw Experimental Kinetic Data for an Organic Reaction. Org Lett 2020; 22:2873-2877. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.0c00367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Pérez-Soto
- Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Avgda. Països Catalans, 16, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Maria Besora
- Departament de Quı́mica Fı́sica i Inorgànica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Feliu Maseras
- Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Avgda. Països Catalans, 16, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
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Menéndez-Perdomo IM, Facchini PJ. Isolation and characterization of two O-methyltransferases involved in benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis in sacred lotus ( Nelumbo nucifera). J Biol Chem 2020; 295:1598-1612. [PMID: 31914404 PMCID: PMC7008365 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.011547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 12/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs) are a major class of plant metabolites with many pharmacological benefits. Sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is an ancient aquatic plant of medicinal value because of antiviral and immunomodulatory activities linked to its constituent BIAs. Although more than 30 BIAs belonging to the 1-benzylisoquinoline, aporphine, and bisbenzylisoquinoline structural subclasses and displaying a predominant R-enantiomeric conformation have been isolated from N. nucifera, its BIA biosynthetic genes and enzymes remain unknown. Herein, we report the isolation and biochemical characterization of two O-methyltransferases (OMTs) involved in BIA biosynthesis in sacred lotus. Five homologous genes, designated NnOMT1-5 and encoding polypeptides sharing >40% amino acid sequence identity, were expressed in Escherichia coli Functional characterization of the purified recombinant proteins revealed that NnOMT1 is a regiospecific 1-benzylisoquinoline 6-O-methyltransferase (6OMT) accepting both R- and S-substrates, whereas NnOMT5 is mainly a 7-O-methyltransferase (7OMT), with relatively minor 6OMT activity and a strong stereospecific preference for S-enantiomers. Available aporphines were not accepted as substrates by either enzyme, suggesting that O-methylation precedes BIA formation from 1-benzylisoquinoline intermediates. Km values for NnOMT1 and NnOMT5 were 20 and 13 μm for (R,S)-norcoclaurine and (S)-N-methylcoclaurine, respectively, similar to those for OMTs from other BIA-producing plants. Organ-based correlations of alkaloid content, OMT activity in crude extracts, and OMT gene expression supported physiological roles for NnOMT1 and NnOMT5 in BIA metabolism, occurring primarily in young leaves and embryos of sacred lotus. In summary, our work identifies two OMTs involved in BIA metabolism in the medicinal plant N. nucifera.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter J Facchini
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada.
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Roddan R, Ward JM, Keep NH, Hailes HC. Pictet-Spenglerases in alkaloid biosynthesis: Future applications in biocatalysis. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2020; 55:69-76. [PMID: 31978651 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2019.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Pictet-Spenglerases provide a key role in the biosynthesis of many biologically active alkaloids. There is increasing use of these biocatalysts as an alternative to traditional organic synthetic methods as they provide stereoselective and regioselective control under mild conditions. Products from these enzymes also contain privileged drug scaffolds (such as tetrahydroisoquinoline or β-carboline moieties), so there is interest in the characterization and use of these enzymes as versatile biocatalysts to synthesize analogs of the corresponding natural products for drug discovery. This review discusses all known Pictet-Spenglerase enzymes and their applications as biocatalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Roddan
- Institute for Structural and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street, London, WC1E 8HX, UK; Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AJ, UK
| | - John M Ward
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, Bernard Katz Building, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Nicholas H Keep
- Institute for Structural and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street, London, WC1E 8HX, UK
| | - Helen C Hailes
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AJ, UK.
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Roddan R, Gygli G, Sula A, Méndez-Sánchez D, Pleiss J, Ward JM, Keep NH, Hailes HC. Acceptance and Kinetic Resolution of α-Methyl-Substituted Aldehydes by Norcoclaurine Synthases. ACS Catal 2019. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.9b02699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Roddan
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, U.K
- Institute for Structural and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street, London WC1E 8HX, U.K
| | - Gudrun Gygli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart 70569, Germany
| | - Altin Sula
- Institute for Structural and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street, London WC1E 8HX, U.K
| | - Daniel Méndez-Sánchez
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, U.K
| | - Jürgen Pleiss
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart 70569, Germany
| | - John M. Ward
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K
| | - Nicholas H. Keep
- Institute for Structural and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street, London WC1E 8HX, U.K
| | - Helen C. Hailes
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, U.K
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