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From Molecular Fossils of Bacterial Hopanoids to the Formation of Isoprene Units: Discovery and Elucidation of the Methylerythritol Phosphate Pathway
Author(s) -
Rohmer Michel
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
lipids
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.601
H-Index - 120
eISSN - 1558-9307
pISSN - 0024-4201
DOI - 10.1007/s11745-008-3261-7
Subject(s) - isoprene , hopanoids , mevalonate pathway , terpenoid , phototroph , biology , plastid , biochemistry , chemistry , biosynthesis , organic chemistry , photosynthesis , chloroplast , paleontology , structural basin , gene , source rock , copolymer , enzyme , polymer
Investigations on the biosynthesis of bacterial triterpenoids of the hopane series led to the unexpected discovery of an alternative mevalonate independent pathway for the formation of isoprene units. Methylerythritol phosphate, already presenting the C 5 branched isoprene skeleton, is the key intermediate. This pathway was independently characterized in ginkgo embryos for the formation of diterpenoids. It is present in most bacteria and in the plastids of all organisms belonging to phototrophic phyla. The key steps of the discovery and elucidation of this metabolic route are presented in this review.