Probing the role of the DXDD motif in class II diterpene cyclases

Abstract

On common ground. An epoxy analogue of geranylgeranyl diphosphate was used together with site-directed mutagenesis to provide evidence that the DXDD motif in class II diterpene cyclases is involved in C=C double-bond protonation (see scheme). This function is similar to the role of the DXDD motif found in the otherwise unrelated triterpene cyclases, which also catalyze C=C protonation initiated cyclization. (Chemical Equation Presented). © 2007 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.