Reaction: (S)-N-methylcoclaurine + (R)-N-methylcoclaurine + [reduced NADPH—hemoprotein reductase] + O2 = berbamunine + [oxidized NADPH—hemoprotein reductase] + 2 H2O
For diagram of reaction click here.
Other name(s): (S)-N-methylcoclaurine oxidase (C-O phenol-coupling)
Systematic name: (S)-N-methylcoclaurine,[reduced NADPH—hemoprotein reductase]:oxygen oxidoreductase (C-O phenol-coupling)
Comments: A cytochrome P-450 (heme-thiolate) protein found in plants. Forms the bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid berbamunine by phenol oxidation of N-methylcoclaurine without the incorporation of oxygen into the product. Reaction of two molecules of (R)-N-methylcoclaurine gives the dimer guattagaumerine.
Links to other databases: BRENDA, EXPASY, KEGG, Metacyc, CAS registry number:
References:
1. Stadler, R. and Zenk, M.H. The purification and characterization of a unique cytochrome P-450 enzyme from Berberis stolifera plant cell cultures. J. Biol. Chem. 268 (1993) 823-831. [PMID: 8380416]