Purification and characterization of malonyl-coenzyme A: 21-hydroxypregnane 21-O-malonyltransferase (Dp21MaT) from leaves of Digitalis purpurea L.

Malonyl-coenzyme A: 21-Hydroxypregnane 21-O-malonyltransferase catalyzing the transfer of a malonyl moiety to the 21-hydroxy group of 21-hydroxypregnanes has been purified and characterized. This enzyme probably initiates butenolide ring formation in cardenolide biosynthesis.