Biosynthesis control of microbial metabolites.

The biosynthesis of plant alkaloids and nitrogenous microbial metabolites.

The biosynthesis of plant alkaloids and related nitrogenous microbial secondary metabolites is reviewed. This involves discussion of the outcome of studies with isotopic labels and of genetic and enzymic experiments. The review follows on from a similar, earlier account [Nat. Prod. Rep., 2001, 18, 50-65], covers the literature for the calendar years 1999 and 2000, and contains 143 references.

Microbial metabolites of harman alkaloids.

Several microorganisms showed the ability to transform the harman alkaloids, harmaline (1), harmalol (2) and harman (5). Harmaline (1) and harmalol (2) were converted by Rhodotorula rubra ATCC 20129 into the tryptamines, 2-acetyl-3-(2-acetamidoethyl)-7-methoxyindole (3) and 2-acetyl-3-(2-acetamidoethyl)-7-hydroxyindole (4), respectively. Harman (5) was biotransformed by Cunninghamella echinulat...

Microbial metabolites with insecticidal properties.

A screen of fungi for insecticidal activity revealed the ability of Aspergillus versicolor to make versimide, methyl-alpha-(methylsuccinimido)acrylate, a novel contact insecticide. The larvicidal activities of Alternaria tenuis and Fusarium lateritium were found to be due to tenuazonic acid and diacetoxyscirpenol, respectively. Thiolutin, cycloheximide, rubratoxin, patulin, trichothecin, an act...

Natural products: Hunting microbial metabolites.

Biosynthesis and function of secondary metabolites

Natural products have long been used by humans owing to their beneficial effects. Indulgences such as coffee and tea, with their moderate stimulatory properties, have a long cultural tradition and are today some of the most important agricultural products worldwide. Other drugs have much stronger impacts on the central nervous system. For example, coca was originally used by the Inca civilisati...