ENZYME

ENZYME entry: EC 4.2.3.50

Accepted Name

(+)-alpha-santalene synthase ((2Z,6Z)-farnesyl diphosphate cyclizing).

Reaction catalysed

(2Z,6Z)-farnesyl diphosphate <=> (+)-alpha-santalene

Comment(s)

The enzyme synthesizes a mixture of sesquiterpenoids from (2Z,6Z)- farnesyl diphosphate.
Following dephosphorylation of (2Z,6Z)-farnesyl diphosphate, the (2Z,6Z)-farnesyl carbocation is converted to either the (6R)- or the (6S)-bisabolyl cations depending on the stereochemistry of the 6,1 closure.
The (6R)-bisabolyl cation will then lead to the formation of (+)- alpha-santalene (EC 4.2.3.50), while the (6S)-bisabolyl cation will give rise to (+)-endo-beta-bergamotene (see EC 4.2.3.53) as well as (-)-endo-alpha-bergamotene (see EC 4.2.3.54).
Small amounts of (-)-epi-beta-santalene are also formed from the (6R)-bisabolyl cation and small amounts of (-)-exo-alpha-bergamotene are formed from the (6S)-bisabolyl cation.

Cross-references

BRENDA

EC2PDB

ExplorEnz

PRIAM enzyme-specific profiles

KEGG Ligand Database for Enzyme Nomenclature

IUBMB Enzyme Nomenclature