Biosynthesis of marcfortine A.

This report describes the results of a biosynthesis study of marcfortine A (MA). We report here that MA is derived from methionine, tryptophan, lysine and two isoprene units, the latter two being derived from acetic acid. From the 13C enrichment pattern of the pipecolic acid moeity we further conclude that this unit is derived from lysine via α-ketoglutarate. Therefore, we have accounted for the biogenesis of every carbon atom of MA and established the biosynthetic pathway for the pipecolic acid moiety of MA.