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Updated: Nov 2, 2025

A Customizable Approach for the Enzymatic Production and Purification of Diterpenoid Natural Products
Published on: October 4, 2019
Structural insight on assembly-line catalysis in terpene biosynthesis.
Jacque L Faylo1, Trevor van Eeuwen2,3, Hee Jong Kim2,3
1Roy and Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
Fusicoccadiene synthase (PaFS) is a unique enzyme. Its structure reveals how it channels substrates for Fusicoccin A biosynthesis, a key 14-3-3 protein interaction mediator.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Structural Biology
- Enzymology
Background:
- Fusicoccadiene synthase (PaFS) from Phomopsis amygdali is a bifunctional enzyme.
- It catalyzes early steps in Fusicoccin A biosynthesis, a mediator of 14-3-3 protein interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the structure of full-length PaFS using cryo-electron microscopy.
- To understand the mechanism of substrate channeling in PaFS.
Main Methods:
- Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM)
- Chemical crosslinking experiments
Main Results:
- The PaFS structure features a central octameric prenyltransferase core with radiating cyclase domains.
- Flexible linkers allow variable positioning of cyclase domains.
- Compact conformations were observed where cyclase domains associate with the core.
- Substrate channeling was supported, with generated geranylgeranyl diphosphate remaining on the enzyme for cyclization.
Conclusions:
- The structural insights provide a framework for understanding PaFS function.
- This work illuminates the mechanism of diterpene glycoside biosynthesis and 14-3-3 protein interactions.
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