Biosynthesis of indoleisopropionic acid by Claviceps. Biological C-methylation involving an intact methyl group

U. Hornemann, M. K. Speedie, K. M. Kelley, L. H. Hurley, H. G. Floss

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Abstract

(R)-Indoleisopropionic acid (I) [(2R)-(3-indolyl)-propionic acid], a metabolite of a Claviceps strain, is formed from l-tryptophan and the intact methyl group of l-methionine. Indoleacetic acid is not incorporated into indoleisopropionic acid. (2R,S), (3S,R)-3-methyltryptophan (β-methyltryptophan, isomer B) was efficiently incorporated, but no evidence for its formation by the organism could be obtained. A hypothetical scheme for the biosynthesis of indoleisopropionic acid is presented.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)430-440
Number of pages11
JournalArchives of Biochemistry and Biophysics
Volume131
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1969
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
1 Supported by National Institutes Grants NB 07646 and FR 05586. 2 NSF Undergraduate Summer Research ticipant, 1968.

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