The first β-lactone synthetase enzyme is reported, creating an unexpected link between the biosynthesis of olefinic hydrocarbons and highly functionalized natural products. The enzyme OleC, involved in the microbial biosynthesis… Click to show full abstract
The first β-lactone synthetase enzyme is reported, creating an unexpected link between the biosynthesis of olefinic hydrocarbons and highly functionalized natural products. The enzyme OleC, involved in the microbial biosynthesis of long-chain olefinic hydrocarbons, reacts with syn- and anti-β-hydroxy acid substrates to yield cis- and trans-β-lactones, respectively. Protein sequence comparisons reveal that enzymes homologous to OleC are encoded in natural product gene clusters that generate β-lactone rings, suggesting a common mechanism of biosynthesis.
               
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