Synthesis and Incorporation of the First Polyketide Synthase Free Intermediate in Monocerin Biosynthesis

Abstract

Enzyme essential: Feeding studies with Dreschlera ravenelii show that labeled dihydroisocoumarin 1 is metabolized into monocerin (2) in exceptionally high levels. These results provide evidence for the role of 1 as the first enzyme-free intermediate in the monocerin biosynthesis pathway and, thus, as the final product of the polyketide synthase (PKS) catalyzed part of the pathway. Compound 1 may therefore be of use in further studies to isolate and sequence the monocerin PKS gene.