Biosynthesis of polyacetylenes in Ambrosia maritima hairy roots

Thiophene A and thiophene A diol are the major polyacetylenes isolated from the hairy roots of Ambrosia maritima (Asteraceae) cultured under continuous light irradiation. The biosynthesis of thiophene A was studied using [1-(13)C]-, [2-(13)C]-, [1,2-(13)C]-acetates. The biosynthesis of thiarubrine A, produced by hairy roots cultured in the dark, was studied using [1,2-(13)C]-acetates and [18-(13)C]-linoleic acid. Our results suggest a catabolic pathway for polyacetylenes biosynthesis from linoleic acid in hairy roots of Ambrosia maritima.