AmAT19, an acetyltransferase from Astragalus membranaceus, catalyses specific 6α-OH acetylation for tetracyclic triterpenes and steroids

Org Biomol Chem. 2021 Sep 7;19(33):7186-7189. doi: 10.1039/d1ob01106e. Epub 2021 Aug 10.

Abstract

Tetracyclic triterpenes and steroids are pharmacologically important molecules, and acetylation could improve their bioactivities. In this study, a highly regio- and stereo-specific acetyltransferase, AmAT19, was discovered from Astragalus membranaceus. AmAT19 could selectively catalyze the 6α-OH acetylation of four tetracyclic triterpenes and steroids. The strict selectivity is associated with different orientations of the 6α/β-OH as indicated by molecular docking. Acetylated products 1a, 3a and 4a remarkably increased the inhibitory activity against the 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro) of SARS-CoV-2, compared to 1, 3, and 4. AmAT19 could be a promising catalyst for specific 6α-OH acetylation to expand the molecular diversity of triterpenes and steroids.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetylation
  • Acetyltransferases / metabolism*
  • Astragalus Plant / enzymology*
  • Catalysis
  • Steroids / metabolism*
  • Triterpenes / metabolism*

Substances

  • Steroids
  • Triterpenes
  • Acetyltransferases