Key building blocks of natural product biosynthesis and their significance in chemistry and medicine.

Abstract

AbstractThe principle features of the biosynthesis of natural products have been elucidated during the past thirty years by the use of isotopic methods. It was discovered that large groups of natural products originate from the same biosynthetic precursor—the key building block. The conversion of key building blocks into biologically active natural products serves as a model for the development of more efficient syntheses in chemistry. In medicine, information about key building blocks permits the elucidation and therapy of metabolic diseases.