Microbial hydroxylation of compactin (ML-236B) and monacolin K.

The Basidiomycete Schizophyllum commune was found to transform compactin (ML-236B) to 8a-hydroxycompactin. This compound was isolated by solvent extraction and column chromatography, and its structure was determined by a combination of IR, UV, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Monacolin K was also converted to the corresponding hydroxylated analogue. Data on the inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl co-enzyme A reductase and sterol biosynthesis in vitro are presented for these hydroxylated compounds.