Researchers elucidate the biosynthetic pathway of verrucofortine, identifying an efficient prenyltransferase in Penicillium polonicum, implying potential for biocatalysis.
Key Points
The research aims to elucidate the biosynthetic pathway of verrucofortine in Penicillium polonicum.
Targeted gene deletion in a low-metabolite-background strain
Biochemical characterization with recombinant proteins
Identification of nonribosomal peptide synthetase, prenyltransferase, and acetyltransferase
VftPS responsible for assembling the cyclodipeptide scaffold was identified
VftPT exhibited higher catalytic efficiency at the indole ring for C3ß-prenylation compared to known homologues
Potential applications in biocatalysis and modification of small molecules were highlighted