Natural products are produced by microorganisms, such as diseases-causing virulence factor or defense substances against predators, competitors, and other threats. Researchers from Bonn and the Institute of Biology II, led by Robin Teufel, discovered a new enzyme that is essential for the production of so called bacterial tropone natural product. In the current issue of the Journal of the American Chemical Society, the researchers present their findings.Unknown enzyme typeTropone natural products are produced by bacteria in both terrestrial and marine environments. They interact with lower animals such as plants, algae, and other organisms to produce them. These bioactive agents are now being produced by symbiotic bacteria, which the Freiburg researchers investigated. Teufel and his colleagues discovered a new enzyme that is crucial for the production these bacterial tropones.Tropone biosynthesis: Key intermediateScientists discovered that the enzyme activates oxygen in an unknown manner and integrates it into a chemical precursor. The basic structure of tropone is created in this process. Researchers were able to study the functions of the enzyme more closely using biochemical and chemical methods and thus discover novel intermediates in tropone production. Teufel says, "We made a significant step towards better understanding the biological production and use of these important compounds." These findings could be used to better combat certain pathogens or to obtain novel tropone compounds through biotechnological techniques.
