Biosynthesis of spicifernin, a unique metabolite of the phytopathogenic fungus, Cochliobolus spicifer

Abstract

The biosynthesis of spicifernin 1 has been studied by feeding ¹³C- and ²H-labelled precursors to Cochliobolus spicifer cultures; the labelling pattern demonstrated by ¹³C NMR spectroscopic analysis of the enriched products indicates that spicifernin is derived from a single polyketide chain bearing two C-methyl groups from C₁ units which undergoes double oxidative C–C bond cleavage and a decarboxylation.