The biosynthesis of tetramic acids

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This proposal outlines research aimed at examining in detail the biosynthesis of the natural product Macrocidin A. Produced by the plant colonizing fungus Phoma macrostoma, Macrocidin A belongs to an important group of natural products known as tetramic acids. Interest in this molecule is sparked by the fact the P. macrostoma fungus has been shown by a research group led by Dr. Karen Bailey at Agriculture and Agri-food Canada research station in Saskatoon to selectively colonize broadleaf plants such as Canada thistle while leaving grasses such as wheat and barley unaffected. The broadleaf weeds appear bleached and stunted when treated with the fungus giving the unaffected grasses a competitive advantage. It appears that Macrocidin A is at least partially responsible for the effect on the broadleaf weeds. This work suggests that P. macrostoma may represent an environmentally benign alternative to traditional chemical herbicides. We are proposing to examine the biosynthesis of Macrocidin A in P. macrostoma and use this information to examine what role this compound may have in crop protection. This knowledge will form the foundation to examine individual enzymes involved in the biosynthetic pathway in P. macrostoma and to determine the role of each in the production of Macrocidin A. This project will be of theoretical interest to the wider community of natural products chemists as tetramic acids are a class of molecules with an interesting array of bioactivity. This research will help establish a program that will be equipped to examine other tetramic acids, and help advance the search for new and interesting biologically active molecules derived from Nature.