Novel key metabolites reveal further branching of the roquefortine/ meleagrin biosynthetic pathway

Abstract

Background: The fungal roquefortine/meleagrin gene cluster is a source of diverse bioactive molecules. Results: Novel metabolites of the roquefortine/meleagrin biosynthetic pathway were discovered, and synthetase genes were assigned to biosynthetic reactions. Conclusion: Distinctive unspecificity of modifying enzymes leads to excessive branching in the pathway, resulting in various intermediates and products. Significance: Metabolites from the roquefortine/meleagrin gene cluster have potential antimicrobial and chemotherapeutic application. © 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.