Prenylation of olivetolate by a hemp transferase yields cannabigerolic acid, the precursor of tetrahydrocannabinol

FEBS Lett. 1998 May 8;427(2):283-5. doi: 10.1016/s0014-5793(98)00450-5.

Abstract

A new enzyme, geranylpyrophosphate:olivetolate geranyltransferase (GOT), the first enzyme in the biosynthesis of cannabinoids could be detected in extracts of young leaves of Cannabis sativa. The enzyme accepts geranylpyrophosphate (GPP) and to a lesser degree also nerylpyrophosphate (NPP) as a cosubstrate. It is, however, specific for olivetolic acid; its decarboxylation product olivetol is inactive as a prenyl acceptor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkyl and Aryl Transferases / metabolism*
  • Benzoates / metabolism*
  • Cannabis / enzymology*
  • Dimethylallyltranstransferase / metabolism*
  • Diphosphates / metabolism
  • Dronabinol / metabolism*
  • Plant Extracts
  • Protein Prenylation
  • Resorcinols / metabolism
  • Salicylates / metabolism*

Substances

  • Benzoates
  • Diphosphates
  • Plant Extracts
  • Resorcinols
  • Salicylates
  • cannabigerolic acid
  • olivetolic acid
  • olivetol
  • Dronabinol
  • Alkyl and Aryl Transferases
  • geranylpyrophosphate olivetolate geranyltransferase
  • Dimethylallyltranstransferase