Asymmetric synthesis of tetrahydroisoquinolines by enzymatic Pictet-Spengler reaction.

The article studies the synthesis of tetrahydroisoquinolines by enzymatic Pictet-Spengler reaction. The stydy uses an N-terminally truncated (S)-norcoclaurine synthase (NCS) from Coptis japonica expressed in Escherichia coli, where NCS catalyzes stereoselective Pictet-Spengler reaction for benzylisoquinoline alkaloid synthesis in plants. The study reflects versatility of the enzyme in synthesizing high yields of 6,7-dihydroxy-l-phenethyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline.