Tetrahydroxylated alkaloids

Gene regulation represents the most basic level of metabolic control. Although there are few examples in the alkaloid literature, the post-translational regulation of enzymes can also exert considerable influence over the control of metabolic flux. Recent work in our laboratory suggests that enzymatic controls function of the regulation in alkaloid biosynthesis. (5)-Norcoclaurine is accepted as the central precursor to all BAs produced in plants.6,7 However, NCS was first isolated based on its ability to convert dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (3,4-DHPAA) to the tetrahydroxylated alkaloid (S)-norlaudanosoline.129 The ability of NCS to accept either 4-HPAA or 3,4-DHPAA contributed to the incorrect conclusion that (S)-norlaudanosoline is a common pathway intermediate. However, only (5)-norcoclaurine has been detected in plants. 

Saul R, Chambers JP, Molyneux RJ, Elbein AD. Castano-spermine, a tetrahydroxylated alkaloid that inhibits gluco-sidase and glucocerebrosidase. Biochem. Biophys. 1983 221 593-597. 

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