This is the committed step in the biosynthesis of the diterpenoid antineoplastic drug Taxol (paclitaxel). The cyclization involves a 1,5-hydride shift.
Purification and characterization of taxa-4(5),11(12)-diene synthase from Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia) that catalyzes the first committed step of taxol biosynthesis.
Williams DC, Carroll BJ, Jin Q, Rithner CD, Lenger SR, Floss HG, Coates RM, Williams RM, Croteau R.
Title
Intramolecular proton transfer in the cyclization of geranylgeranyl diphosphate to the taxadiene precursor of taxol catalyzed by recombinant taxadiene synthase.