title: A tryptophan C-methyltransferase involved in streptonigrin biosynthesis in Streptomyces flocculus.
abstract: A C-methyltransferase that catalyses the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine to C-3 of tryptophan, resulting in beta-methyltryptophan, has been identified in cell-free extracts of streptonigrin-producing Streptomyces flocculus. The absolute configuration of the product was shown to be (2S,3R)-beta-methyltryptophan by high-pressure liquid chromatography and reactivity with D- and L-amino acid oxidases. In shake culture, maximum specific activity occurs after S. flocculus enters stationary phase, but before significant streptonigrin accumulates.
mesh_terms: D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D008745:Methylation; D008780:Methyltransferases / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism*; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D012436:S-Adenosylmethionine / Q000378:metabolism; D013302:Streptomyces / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000254:growth & development; D013308:Streptonigrin / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D013308:Streptonigrin; D012436:S-Adenosylmethionine; D008780:Methyltransferases; C042004:tryptophan C-methyltransferase