Diterpene Biosynthesis in Catenulispora acidiphila: On the Mechanism of Catenul‐14‐en‐6‐ol Synthase

A new diterpene synthase from the actinomycete Catenulispora acidiphila was identified and the structures of its products were elucidated, including the absolute configurations by an enantioselective deuteration approach. The mechanism of the cationic terpene cyclisation cascade was deeply studied through the use of isotopically labelled substrates and of substrate analogues with partially blocked reactivity, resulting in derailment products that gave further insights into the intermediates along the cascade. Their chemistry was studied, leading to the biomimetic synthesis of a diterpenoid analogue of a brominated sesquiterpene known from the red seaweed Laurencia microcladia.
A new diterpene synthase (CaCS) from Catenulispora acidiphila and its products were identified. The enzyme mechanism was studied by isotopic labelling experiments and usage of substrate analogues with blocked reactivity, resulting in a series of derailment products. Their chemistry was studied, leading to the biomimetic synthesis of a diterpenoid analogue of a brominated sesquiterpene known from the red seaweed Laurencia microcaldia.