REVIEW ARTICLE Enzyme evolution in fungal indole alkaloid biosynthesis Amy E. Fraley1,2 and David H. Sherman1,2,3,4 1 Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA 2 Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA 3 Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA 4 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA Keywords The class of fungal indole alkaloids containing the bicyclo[2.2.2]diazaoc- biosynthesis; Diels–Alderase; natural tane ring is comprised of diverse molecules that display a range of biologi- products; nonribosomal peptides; cal activities. While much interest has been garnered due to their monooxygenase therapeutic potential, this class of molecules also displays unique chemical Correspondence functionality, making them intriguing synthetic targets. Many elegant and D. H. Sherman, Life Sciences Institute, 210 intricate total syntheses have been developed to generate these alkaloids, Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, but the selectivity required to produce them in high yield presents great USA barriers. Alternatively, if we can understand the molecular mechanisms Tel: +734 615 9907 behind how fungi make these complex molecules, we can leverage the E-mail:
[email protected] power of nature to perform these chemical transformations. Here, we describe the various studies regarding the evolutionary development of (Received 21 August 2019, revised 24 November 2019, accepted 27 February enzymes involved in fungal indole alkaloid biosynthesis. 2020) doi:10.1111/febs.15270 Introduction to fungal indole alkaloids The fungal indole alkaloid class of natural products knowledge gaps with detailed biochemical characteri- contains molecules with unique structural properties zation.