Biosynthetic mapping of indole alkaloid biosynthesis in Catharanthus roseus will be studied using cell-free incubations from modified tissue cultures and plant homogenates. The rearrangements and transformations from tryptophan and secologanin up to the complex dimeric oncolytic alkaloids vinblastine and vincristine will be examined. The mechanisms operating in vivo will be applied to the economical synthesis of a wide range of dimeric alkaloids, hitherto only available in small amounts for biological activity evaluation, using the combined strategies of partial synthesis and enzymatic transformation. Genetic manipulation of C. roseus cells will allow novel alkaloids to be isolated as well as the opportunity to increase the yield of VLB and VCR in transformed plants. High-field NMR studies of plant metabolism will be developed.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01CA044395-02
Application #
3186967
Study Section
Bio-Organic and Natural Products Chemistry Study Section (BNP)
Project Start
1987-07-01
Project End
1992-05-31
Budget Start
1988-06-01
Budget End
1989-05-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1988
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Texas A&M University
Department
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
City
College Station
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
77845