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Cytochrome P450- and Dehydrogenase-Mediated Regiospecific and Stereoselective Formation of β- and γ-Lactones in Drimane-Type Sesquiterpenoid Biosynthesis.

Lactone-containing natural products are important candidates for drug discovery. Drimane-type sesquiterpenes (DTSs), characterized by a bicyclic trans-decalin scaffold, can bear both β- and γ-lactone moieties. While γ-lactone-containing DTSs have frequently been reported, β-lactone-containing derivatives are rare, and their biosynthesis remains unexplored. Here, we identified a biosynthetic gene cluster (dri) in Aspergillus ustus and confirmed ustidrimane A (1), a β- and γ-lactone-containing DTS, as its product. Heterologous gene expression, precursor feeding, and enzymatic investigation provided evidence for the formation of both lactone rings. In both cases, the reaction cascade is initiated by regiospecific (and stereoselective) methyl hydroxylation, followed by regiospecific and stereoselective oxidation of one hydroxymethyl group to an aldehyde. The resulting hemiacetal was proven to be subsequently oxidized to a lactone. The β-lactone formation is catalyzed by two cytochrome P450 enzymes (DriE and DriF), followed by two oxidation steps catalyzed by two dehydrogenases (DriG and DriH). These findings differ entirely from the known β-lactone formation in fatty acid-, PKS-, and NRPS-derived metabolites. The subsequent γ-lactone formation is catalyzed by a P450 (DriJ) and a dehydrogenase (DriD). DriJ has been shown to be involved in both methyl hydroxylation and hemiacetal formation, while DriD is responsible for the hemiacetal oxidation and also contributes moderately to its formation. Collectively, these findings establish a sequential P450/dehydrogenase-mediated oxidative cascade for the construction of two distinct lactone motifs within a single DTS scaffold. Moreover, they provide the first insight into the β-lactone formation in terpenes, thus unveiling a new strategy for the construction of this structural motif.

Lactones

[Investigations on the utilization of D-gluconate and D-glucono-delta-lactone in the metabolism of the normal and alloxan diabetic rat (author's transl)].

Radioactivity was measured in the blood of normal and alloxan diabetic rats, after the oral administration of [U-14C]gluconate and [U-14C]glucono-delta-lactone, respectively. Radioactivity was also measured in the intestinal contents and feces 5 h after ingestion of the radioactive materials, It was concluded that the lactone is better absorbed from the intestine than the gluconate anion. According to this enhanced membrane permeation and the higher concentration reached in blood, the space of distribution of the lactone is larger than that of gluconate (50 and 41% of body weight, respectively); a higher retention in tissues and a greater loss in urine was also observed after administration of the lactone. Incorporation into liver glycogen is also higher from the lactone than from gluconate after oral administration, particularly in diabetic animals. The initial deficit in the oxidation of gluconate compared to that of the lactone, caused by a lag period of 7 and 4 h, respectively, is completely compensated during the following 8-9 h. The oxidative turnover of gluconolactone and of gluconate is significantly enhanced in diabetic animals. The better utilization in diabetic metabolism is in part explainable by a rise of glycolytic intermediates in the liver, which are decreased in starvation and diabetes. The limiting step of gluconate metabolism is the initial phosphorylation. Possibilities are discufor the dietetic use of gluconic acid in the form of an apolar derivative (lactone, ester).

Animals

Ketopantoic acid and ketopantoyl lactone reductases. Stereospecificity of transfer of hydrogen from reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate.

The stereospecificity of hydrogen transfer from NADPH to the appropriate carbonyl substrate catalyzed by ketopantoic acid and ketopantoyl acid and ketopantoyl lactone reductases of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and Escherichia coli has been determined. Yeast and E. coli ketopantoic acid reductases are B-specific enzymes which transfer hydrogen from [4B-3H]-NADPH to ketopantoic acid to form [3H]pantoic acid. In contrast to the usual observations on the stereospecificity of functionally similar dehydrogenases from different species, yeast and E. coli ketopantoyl lactone reductases exhibit opposite stereospecificities. Both of two forms of yeast ketopantoyl lactone reductases are A-specific enzymes which form [3H]pantoyl lactone from ketopantoyl lactone and [4A-3H]NADPH, whereas, two forms of E. coli ketopantoyl lactone reductases are B-specific enzymes.

Alcohol Oxidoreductases

Effects of PGF2alpha and PGF2alpha, 1-15 lactone on the corpus luteum and on early pregnancy in the rhesus monkey.

The effects of prostaglandin (PG)F2alpha and PGF2alpha, 1-15 lactone were compared in luteal phase, non-pregnant and in early pregnant rhesus monkeys. Animals treated with either PG after pretreatment with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) had peripheral plasma progesterone concentrations that were not statistically different from those in animals treated with hCG and vehicle. However, menstrual cycle lengths in monkeys treated with PGF2alpha, 1-15 lactone were significantly (P less than 0.02) shorter than those in vehicle treated animals. In the absence of hCG pretreatment, plasma progesterone concentrations were significantly (P less than 0.008) lower by the second day after the initial treatment with either PGF2alpha or PGF2alpha, 1-15 lactone than in vehicle treated monkeys. Menstrual cycle lengths in monkeys treated with either PG were significantly (P less than 0.04) shorter than those in animals treated with vehicle. There were no changes in plasma progesterone concentrations in early pregnant monkeys treated with PGF2alpha, and pregnancy was not interrupted. In contrast, plasma progesterone declined and pregnancy was terminated in 5 of 6 early pregnant monkeys treated with PGF2alpha, 1-15 lactone. These data indicate that PGF2alpha, 1-15 lactone decreases menstrual cycle lengths in non-pregnant rhesus monkeys. More importantly, PGF2alpha, 1-15 lactone terminates early pregnancy in the monkey at a dose which is less than an ineffective dose of PGF2alpha.

Abortion, Induced

Anti-inflammatory activity of sesquiterpene lactones and related compounds.

Some sesquiterpene lactones and related compounds were tested for anti-inflammatory activity in rodents. In the edema-induced carrageenan inflammation screen, the alpha-methylene-gamma-lactone moiety of the sesquiterpene lactones was required for inhibitory activity. The 6-hydroxy group of helenalin also was required for potency. In the tenulin series, the 2,3-epoxy derivatives were marginally active. The same structure was required for inhibition of the writhing reflex. In the chronic adjuvant arthritic screen, compounds containing the alpha-methylene-gamma-lactone moiety, the beta-unsubstituted cyclopentenone ring, and the alpha-epoxy cyclopentenone system afforded significant inhibition at 2.5 mg/kg/day. The sesquiterpene lactones were marginally effective against induced pleurisy. The delayed hypersensitivity was suppressed by these agents whereas immunoglobulin synthesis was slightly stimulated. No delerious side effects were observed with these agents from the limited tests performed.

Anaphylaxis

Spectral studies of conformational changes induced in beta-glucuronidase by saccharo-1,4-lactone.

Ultraviolet difference spectroscopy has been used to study the binding of the transition state analog saccharo-1,4-lactone to purified rat preputial gland beta-glucuronidase. At pH 4.5 (the pH optimum), the inhibitor induces a difference spectrum indicative of a change in the environment of tryptophyl residues. Based on the magnitude of the induced difference spectrum as a quantitative measure of inhibitor binding, a titration curve for saccharo-1,4-lactone was obtained. A Scatchard plot of the titration data indicates that 4 molecules of inhibitor bind to the enzyme tetramer at a K-I of 4 times 10-7 M. The inhibitor also induces a similar difference spectrum at pH 7.5, although the binding is considerably weaker at this pH than at pH 4.5. When the native enzyme at pH 4.5 is compared with the native enzyme at pH 7.5, a difference spectrum, distinct from that of the binding of saccharo-1,4-lactone, is observed, indicating that the enzyme exists in different conformations at these pH values. The indication that tryptophyl residues are perturbed upon binding of saccharo-1,4-lactone was supported by studies carried out with N-bromosuccinimide. At pH 4.3, this reagent was found to oxidize 6 tryptophyl residues in the native enzyme but only three in the saccharo-1,4-lactone-inhibited enzyme. A spectrophotometric titration of the enzyme indicated that of the 33 tyrosyl residues per subunit, only 5 to 6 ionize at the pK expected for free phenolic groups.

Adipates

Immunologic evidence that the gene for L-gulono-gamma-lactone oxidase is not expressed in animals subject to scurvy.

L-Gulono-gamma-lactone oxidase (L-gulono-gamma-lactone:oxygen 2-oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.3.8) is the enzyme that catalyzes the terminal step of L-ascorbic acid biosynthesis in mammalian liver. The absence of the oxidase activity in primates and guinea pigs is the reason why these animals are subject to scurvy, which must be considered an inborn error of metabolism. Attempts were made to determine if a protein immunologically crossreactive with L-gulono-gamma-lactone oxidase is present in these animals. Detergent-solubilized microsomal preparations from guinea pig and African green monkey liver did not precipitate the antisera directed to either rat or goat enzyme, nor did any of the other cell fractions obtained from guinea pig liver react with either antiserum. No crossreactive protein was detectable in guinea pig microsomes even with the sensitive procedure or micro-complement fixation. On the other hand, extracts of all 10 other mammalian (4 orders) liver microsomes tested were shown to contain L-gulono-gamma-lactone oxidase activity that did crossreact with antibodies to the rat and goat enzymes. One explanation of these findings is that, in the guinea pig, and perhaps in primates too, the structural gene for L-gulono-gamma-lactone oxidase is not expressed.

Alcohol Oxidoreductases

Formation of adducts of parthenin and related sesquiterpene lactones with cysteine and glutathione.

Parthenin, the major sesquiterpene lactone of Parthenium hysterophorus, a weed responsible for dermatitis in man is primarily restricted to leaf and stem trichomes. Parthenin forms a monoadduct with L-cysteine through the alpha-methylene group of the gamma-lactone and a biadduct with the endocyclic double bond on the cyclopentenone ring. Studies with other sesquiterpene lactones support the view that the types of adducts formed are correlated with the biological activity of the sesquiterpene lactones.

Allergens

Allergic contact dermatitis due to sesquiterpene lactones. A comparative study of human and animal sensitivity to alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactone and derivatives.

Several compounds containing the alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactone moiety have been tested on human volunteers and on guinea-pigs; the animals were experimentally sensitized by alantolactone, isoalantolactone and laurel oil. Of the two new lactones, spirolactone was the more reactive: this was confirmed by both animal and human testing. The synthetic lactones are less reactive than natural ones. alpha-Methylene-gamma-butyrolactone itself does not elicit cross-reactions in guinea pigs sensitive either to alantolactone or to isoalantolactone, or in patients sensitive to sesquiterpene lactones. The alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactone group is necessary for cross-reaction, but to be active, it has first to be substituted. It was also found that isoalantolactone, allegedly not allergenic, is in fact a sensitizer and cross-reacts with alantolactone. The cross-reaction between laurel and Frullania, found in man, also occurs in guinea-pigs. It is more evident when sesquiterpene lactone is the sensitizer and laurel used to elicit reaction.

4-Butyrolactone

Sesquiterpene lactones (SL) part XXIV. Further studies on cytotoxic activities of SL in tissue culture of human cancer cells.

Cytotoxicity of most of the 18 new sesquiterpene lactones (SL), derivatives of germacran, guaian, pseudoguaian, and selinan, and related glycosides was studied by tissue culture method on human KB and HeLa cell lines. Eleven compounds with ED50, activity values between 0.24 and 2.40 microgram/ml (9,2.10(-7)--9.1.10(-6) M) were qualified for further in vivo investigation. It seems that: a) unsaturated alpha-exo-methylene-gamma-lactone ring:-O-CO-C=CH2 conjugated with basic terpene carbocyclic skeleton plays the main role for cytotoxicity of SL. The next determinants of the activity are apparently: b) sesquiterpenoid carbocyclic grouping (germacranolides (GE), pseudoguaianolides (PGU), guaianolides (GU), c) the position of cyclization of gamma-lactone ring (C6--C12) or C8--C12), d) some substituents with an epoxide and/or keto-function in different positions of sesquiterpenoids. The natural and modified alpha-exo-methylene-guaianolide-C3-glycosides (GUG) are not significantly more potent than the remaining alpha-exo-methylene-gamma-lactones.

Antineoplastic Agents

Antitumor agents XXX: Evaluation of alpha-methylene-gamma-lactone-containing agents for inhibition of tumor growth, respiration, and nucleic acid synthesis.

Evidence is presented that a number of sesquiterpene lactones isolated from plants and synthesized pyrimidines containing the alpha-methylene-gamma-lactone moiety are potent inhibitors of Walker 256 carcinosarcoma and Ehrlich ascites tumor growth and marginal inhibitors of P-388 lymphocytic leukemia and Lewis lung tumor growth. In vitro aerobic basal respiration and oxidative phosphorylation processes of Ehrlich ascites cells were inhibited by these agents as well as deoxyribonucleic acid polymerase and thymidylate synthetase enzymatic activities. These studies indicate that the alpha-methylene-gamma-lactone moiety, the beta-unsubstituted cyclopentenone ring, and the alpha-epoxycyclopentanone system are the essential moieties for inhibition of these biochemical parameters.

Animals

25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 26,23-lactone: a new in vivo metabolite of vitamin D.

A major vitamin D metabolite was isolated in pure form from the blood plasma of chicks either maintenance levels or large doses of vitamin D3. The isolation involved methanol-chloroform extraction and five column chromatographic procedures. The metabolite purification and elution position on these columns were followed by a competitive protein binding assay. The metabolite was identified, using high- and low-resolution mass spectrometry, 270-MHz proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, ultraviolet absorption spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry, and specific chemical reactions, as 3 beta,-25-dihydroxy-9,10-seco-5,7,10(19)-cholestatrieno-26,23-lactone. The trivial names 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 26,23-lactone or calcidiol 26,23-lactone are suggested for this compound.

Animals

Characteristic gamma-lactone odor production of the genus Pityrosporum.

Mass spectrometric-gas chromatographic analysis of culture headspaces revealed that members of the genous Pityrosporum produce volatile gamma-lactones during growth on lipid-containing media. Representative members of other yeast genera found on humans failed to produce these compounds. Addition of lecithin, oleic acids, triolein, or human sebum to the culture media stimulated gamma-lactone production by Pityrosporum species. All yeasts tested produced isopentanol and phenylethanol. Production of gamma-lactones may serve as a valuable characteristic in the identification of organisms of the genus Pityrosporum.

Culture Media

Increase in dissociation rate constants of cardiotonic steroid-brain (Na+ + K+)-ATPase complexes by reduction of the unsaturated lactone.

Several cardiotonic steroids have been modified by reduction of the unsaturated lactone and their interactions with the sodium- and potassium-activated ATPase ((Na+ + K+)-ATPase) have been investigated. Reduction of the unsaturated lactone results in a decrease in binding affinity due primarily to an increase in the dissociation rate constant concomitant with a decrease in the activation free energy of dissociation. This decrease in activation free energy is about 2 to 4 kcal, which is approximately equal to the energy of one hydrogen bond. It is suggested that the increase in dissociation rate due to reduction of the unsaturated lactone may make possible the use of these compounds as affinity ligands for purification of the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase or an ouabain-binding fragment.

Adenosine Triphosphatases

Chemotherapy of gastric and pancreatic carcinoma: a controlled evaluation of combinations of 5-fluorouracil with nitrosoureas and "lactones".

By random assignment a total of 176 eligible patients with advanced nonmeasurable pancreatic carcinoma were treated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) either alone or in combination with a nitrosourea (streptozotocin), in combination with a "lactone" (spironolactone), or in combination with both. By random assignment a total of 179 patients with advanced nonmeasurable gastric carcinoma were treated with 5-FU either alone or in combination with a nitrosourea (methyl CCNU), in combination with a lactone (testolactone), or in combination with both. The median survival period for all pancreatic carcinoma patients was 17 weeks, and for all gastric carcinoma patients 30 weeks. The addition of the nitrosoureas or the lactones or a combination of both produced no improvement in length of patient survival for either primary carcinoma when compared to treatment with 5-FU alone.

Adenocarcinoma

Cannabinoids. 2. Synthesis and central nervous system activities of some B-ring homocannabinoid derivatives and related lactones.

The syntheses of some novel B-ring homocannabinoid derivatives 1,2, and 4 and related lactones 3 and 5 are described. Compounds 1-5 are 6,7,8,9,10,11-hexahydrodibenz[b,d]oxepins. CNS structure-activity correlations were determined using three rodent models. The potency and activity profile of these seven-membered ring compounds were compared with the corresponding six-membered ring homologues 6 and 7. A possible seperation of CNS activities was noted with compound 1. Unexpected pharmacological activity was discovered with lactone 3, which was about equipotent to 1-delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol. It was found that dimethylation at the 7 postition decreased CNS activity when the 6 position was either a carbonyl or methylene group.

Animals

Lactones in foods.

Lactones represent another important class of flavor compounds that have been found in a wide variety of foods although traditionally they have been mainly associated with dairy products. This review summarizes their occurrences in foods along with their formation pathways, sensory properties, and isolation, identification, and synthesis techniques specific to lactones associated with food flavor.

Alcohols