Description and references

Naturally occurring, genetically encoded amino acid found in certain methanogenic Archaea; originally described as l-lysine ε-amide linked to (4R,5R)-4-substituted-1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate. Identification of pyrrolysine-specific tRNA in Methanosarcina barkeri: G. Srinivasan et al., Science 296, 1459 (2002). Identification as UAG-encoded residue in monomethylamine methyltransferase: B. Hao et al., ibid. 1462. Identification of C₄-substituent as a methyl group, synthesis and properties: idem et al., Chem. Biol. 11, 1317 (2004). MS analysis: J. A. Soares et al., J. Biol. Chem. 280, 36962 (2005). Reviews: C. Fenske et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 42, 606-610 (2003); J. A. Krzycki, Curr. Opin. Microbiol. 8, 706-712 (2005).

Derivative