Structure and Function of a Dual Reductase-Dehydratase Enzyme System Involved in -Terphenyl Biosynthesis.

We report the identification of the gene cluster responsible for the formation of the -terphenyl derivatives terfestatins B and C and echoside B from the Appalachian strain RM-5-8. We characterize the function of TerB/C, catalysts that work together as a dual enzyme system in the biosynthesis of natural terphenyls. TerB acts as a reductase and TerC as a dehydratase to enable the conversion of polyporic acid to a terphenyl triol intermediate.