Abstract
Verruculogens are fumitremorgin alkaloids that contain an eight-membered endoperoxide
ring. Due to their unusual structure and bioactivity, there has been much interest
in these natural products since their discovery over forty years ago. Similarly, interest
in their biosynthesis resulted in the discovery of verruculogen synthase (FtmOx1)
that catalyzes endoperoxide formation in these natural products. Herein, we describe
our work in this area through the chemoenzymatic synthesis of 13-oxoverruculogen by
endoperoxidation of a substrate analogue using FtmOx1.
1 Introduction
2 Pentacyclic Ring Formation
3 Promiscuous Enzymatic Peroxidation
4 Conclusion
Key words
biocatalysis - endoperoxides - fungal natural products - chemoenzymatic synthesis