Catalytic mechanism and endo-to-exo selectivity reversion of an octalin-forming natural Diels-Alderase.

We have previously reported the identification of CghA, a proposed Diels-Alderase responsible for the formation of the bicyclic octalin core of the fungal secondary metabolite Sch210972. Here we show the crystal structure of the CghA-product complex at a resolution of 2.0 Å. Our result provides the second structural determination of eukaryotic Diels-Alderases and adds yet another fold to the family of proteins reported to catalyse [4 + 2] cycloaddition reactions. Site-directed mutagenesis-coupled kinetic characterization and computational analyses allowed us to identify key catalytic residues and propose a possible catalytic mechanism. Most interestingly, we were able to rationally engineer CghA such that the mutant was able to catalyse preferentially the formation of the energetically disfavoured exo adduct. This work expands our knowledge and understanding of the emerging and potentially widespread class of natural enzymes capable of catalysing stereoselective Diels-Alder reactions and paves the way towards developing enzymes potentially useful in various bio/synthetic applications.

Enzymatic Amide Tailoring Promotes Retro-Aldol Amino Acid Conversion To Form the Antifungal Agent Aspirochlorine.

Aspirochlorine is an unusual antifungal cyclopeptide produced by Aspergillus oryzae, an important mold used for food fermentation. Whereas its structure suggested that a non-ribosomal peptide synthetase assembles the cyclopeptide from phenylalanine and glycine building blocks, labeling studies indicated that one Phe moiety is transformed into Gly after peptide formation. By means of genetic engineering, heterologous expression, biotransformations, and in vitro assays, we dissected and reconstituted four crucial steps in aspirochlorine biosynthesis, which involve two cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, (AclL and AclO), a methyltransferase (AclU), and a halogenase (AclH). We found that the installation of the N-methoxylation of the peptide bond sets the stage for a retro-aldol reaction that leads to the Phe-to-Gly conversion. The substrate scopes of the dedicated enzymes as well as bioassays revealed that the peptide editing has evolved to optimize the antifungal action of the natural product.

Integration of Chemical, Genetic, and Bioinformatic Approaches Delineates Fungal Polyketide-Peptide Hybrid Biosynthesis.

To identify natural products and their associated biosynthetic genes from underutilized, difficult-to-manipulate microbes, chemical screening and bioinformatic analysis were employed to identify secondary metabolites and a potentially associated biosynthetic gene cluster. Subsequently, a heterologous expression system was used to confirm the identity of the gene cluster and the proposed biosynthetic mechanism. This approach successfully identified the curvupallide and spirostaphylotrichin biosynthetic pathways in endophytic fungus Curvularia pallescens and the short-chain pyranonigrin biosynthetic pathway in Aspergillus niger.