BIOSYNTHESIS OF MARCFORTINE-A

This report describes the results of a biosynthesis study of marcforti ne A (MA). We report here that MA is derived from methionine, tryptoph an, lysine and two isoprene units the being derived from acetic acid. From the C-13 enrichment pattern of the pipecolic acid moeity further conclude that this unit is derived from lysine via alpha-ketoglutarate . Therefore, we haves accounted for the biogenesis of every carbon ato m of MA and established the biosynthetic pathway for the pipecolic aci d moiety of MA.