Isolation and identification of two isomeric forms of malonyl-coenzyme A in commercial malonyl-coenzyme A

Two isomers of malonyl-coenzyme A (malonyl-CoA) were detected in a commercial preparation of malonyl-CoA. These compounds were separated by preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and characterized by HPLC/ultraviolet (UV)/mass spectrometry. Both compounds had a UV absorbance maximum at 259-260 nm. Both compounds underwent negative electrospray ionization to produce a [M-H](-)quasi-molecular ion at m/z 852 and both compounds underwent collision-induced dissociation to produce a characteristic fragment at m/z 808, all consistent with the structure of malonyl-CoA. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry showed that the two chromatographically distinguishable malonyl-CoAs are structural isomers: the major component is the naturally occurring malonyl-CoA and the contaminant is 3'-dephospho- 2'-phospho-coenzyme A.

A semi-preparative enzymic synthesis of malonyl-CoA from [14C]acetate and 14CO2: labelling in the 1, 2 or 3 position

A semi-preparative enzymic synthesis of [1-14C]malonyl-CoA from [1-14C]acetate and bicarbonate, and of [3-14C]malonyl-CoA from Na2(14)CO3 and acetate, was achieved by using chloroplasts rapidly isolated from 7-8-day-old pea shoots. Around 70% of the [1-14C]acetate was converted into malonyl-CoA in 2-3 h, and the specific radioactivity of [3-14C]malonyl-CoA synthesized in the system was 25-30 Ci/mol. Reactions were monitored and labelled products were purified by h.p.l.c.

An improved synthesis of malonyl-coenzyme A

A method for the synthesis of [14C]malonyl-Coenzyme A starting with 10 mumol of [14C]malonate is reported. The synthesis is accomplished with yields of 48 +/- 4% (1 sigma, n = 6) using a procedure which does not require the isolation or purification of any intermediates.