Biosynthesis of Prenylated Alkaloids Derived from Tryptophan

Abstract

A review with 100 refs. on biosynthesis of prenylated indole alkaloids and related natural substances derived from Trp is given. The families of compds. covered in this review include the brevianamides, austamides, paraherquamides, marcfortine, roquefortine, aszonalenin, echinulin, verruculogen, the fumitremorgins, a-cyclopiazonic acid, and the ergot alkaloids. Although other families of naturally occurring prenylated indole alkaloids exist, such as the iridoids, this review is intended to examine the biosynthesis of the groups selected based on their structural and biogenetic similarities. In addn., the biosynthesis of the families selected for this chapter have not, to the best of our knowledge, been previously reviewed. [on SciFinder (R)]