Understanding the Enzyme ()-Norcoclaurine Synthase Promiscuity to Aldehydes and Ketones.

The ()-norcoclaurine synthase from (NCS) stereoselectively catalyzes the Pictet-Spengler reaction between dopamine and 4-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde to give ()-norcoclaurine. NCS can catalyze the Pictet-Spengler reaction with various aldehydes and ketones, leading to diverse tetrahydroisoquinolines. This substrate promiscuity positions NCS as a highly promising enzyme for synthesizing fine chemicals.