Stable isotope labelling studies on the biosynthesis of pinguisane-type sesquiterpenes in axenic cultures of Aneura pinguis

Abstract

2 H and 13 C NMR analyses of 6α-hydroxy-3-oxopinguis- 5(10)-ene-11,6-olide produced by axcenic cultures of the liverwort Aneura pinguis in the presence of 2 H- and 13 C-labelled mevalonates clarify the biosynthesis of pinguisane-type sesquiterpenes from FPP via a 1,2-hydride shift, two 1,2-methyl shifts, a cleavage of the main FPP chain and then recyclization.