cornexistin and byssochlamic-acid

The biosynthesis of the herbicide cornexistin in the fungus Paecilomyces variotii was investigated by full sequencing of its genome, knockout of key genes within its biosynthetic gene cluster and isolation and identification of intermediate compounds. The general biosynthetic pathway resembles that of byssochlamic acid and other nonadrides in the early stages, but differs in requiring fewer enzymes in the key nonadride dimerisation step, and in the removal of one maleic anhydride moiety.

Topics: Biosynthetic Pathways; Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases; Fungal Proteins; Furans; Gene Knockout Techniques; Herbicides; Multigene Family; Paecilomyces; Polyketide Synthases; Stereoisomerism