Structural Basis and Enzymatic Mechanism of the Biosynthesis of C9‐ from C10‐Monoterpenoid Indole Alkaloids

Abstract Cutting carbons : The three‐dimensional structure of polyneuridine aldehyde esterase (PNAE) gives insight into the enzymatic mechanism of the biosynthesis of C 9 ‐ from C 10 ‐monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (see scheme). PNAE is a very substrate‐specific serine esterase. It harbors the catalytic triad S87‐D216‐H244, and is a new member of the α/β‐fold hydrolase superfamily. Its novel function leads to the diversification of alkaloid structures. magnified image