Phenylphenalenones and Linear Diarylheptanoid Derivatives Are Biosynthesized via Parallel Routes in Musella lasiocarpa, the Chinese Dwarf Banana

Org Lett. 2024 Jul 5;26(26):5522-5527. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.4c01750. Epub 2024 Jun 20.

Abstract

Here, we use transcriptomic data from seeds of Musella lasiocarpa to identify five enzymes involved in the formation of dihydrocurcuminoids. Characterization of the substrate specificities of the enzymes reveals two distinct dihydrocurcuminoid pathways leading to phenylphenalenones and linear diarylheptanoid derivatives, the major seed metabolites. Furthermore, we demonstrate the stepwise conversion of dihydrobisdemethoxycurcumin to the phenylphenalenone 4'-hydroxylachnanthocarpone by feeding intermediates to M. lasiocarpa root protein extract.

MeSH terms

  • Diarylheptanoids* / chemistry
  • Molecular Structure
  • Musa* / chemistry
  • Phenalenes* / chemistry
  • Seeds / chemistry
  • Substrate Specificity

Substances

  • Diarylheptanoids
  • Phenalenes