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Published on: February 16, 2018
Decarboxylation in Natural Products Biosynthesis.
Nguyet A Nguyen1, Jacob H Forstater2, John A McIntosh1
1Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States.
Decarboxylation reactions are vital in producing natural products. Decarboxylase enzymes offer diverse biocatalytic applications for fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry
Background:
- Decarboxylation reactions are fundamental in metabolic pathways.
- Decarboxylase enzymes catalyze these essential transformations.
- These enzymes exhibit diverse mechanisms and substrate specificities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review decarboxylation reactions in natural product biosynthesis.
- To explore the biotechnological potential of decarboxylases in biocatalysis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of decarboxylation reactions in natural product biosynthesis.
- Analysis of decarboxylase enzyme mechanisms and substrate scope.
- Perspective on applications in fine chemical and pharmaceutical synthesis.
Main Results:
- Decarboxylation is a common theme in the synthesis of primary and secondary metabolites.
- Decarboxylase enzymes present significant opportunities for biocatalysis.
- The versatility of these enzymes supports applications in producing valuable compounds.
Conclusions:
- Decarboxylation reactions are key biosynthetic processes.
- Decarboxylase enzymes are valuable biocatalysts for industrial applications.
- Further exploration of decarboxylases can advance fine chemical and pharmaceutical production.
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