Many naturally occurring bioactive secondary metabolites possess unusual sugar moieties  that serve as molecular recognition elements critical for biological activities.  Altering the sugar substituents of these compounds holds considerable potential for modulating their pharmaceutical properties.  Studying the biosynthesis of these sugars is not only important for understanding the chemistry underlying the responsible enzymes, but will also assist us in the production of these and other sugar molecules with improved biological activities.  To reach these goals, we have investigated the biosynthesis of unusual sugars found in a variety of natural systems. We have established several of the biosynthetic pathways of these sugars and characterized the key enzymes involved in their formation.  Some recent results of these efforts will be presented.

Exploring nature's strategies for making unusual sugars

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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