Abstracts » Zoology and wildlife conservation

Cell-free synthesis of polyketides by recombinant erythromycin polyketide synthases

Article Abstract:

The cell-free enzymatic preparation of 6-deoxyerythronolide B (6-dEB) uses a recombination process. The method uses a recombinant 6-dEB synthase and an active deletion mutant. 6-dEB is the parent molecule of erythromycin A. The 6-dEB synthase is a modular polyketide synthase (PKS) with 28 active sites. PKSs catalyze the synthesis of various polyketides which have medicinal value and are multi-enzyme proteins. PKSs have an organization of different modules, each of which is necessary for one step in the synthetic process.

Observations, Enzymes, Enzyme synthesis, Recombinant molecules

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A chain initiation factor common to both modular and aromatic polyketide synthases

Article Abstract:

An element of aromatic polyketide synthases (PKS), previously called 'chain-length factor' (CLF), has been shown to be a factor needed for polyketide chain initiation. This factor has decarboxylase activity towards malonyl-acyl carrier protein. The discovery of the common function of CLF and KSQ, a domain of previously unknown function which acts like CLF, as chain initiation factors supplies a further significant mechanistic connection between type I and type II PKSs and between PKSs and fatty-acid synthases.

Enzyme activation

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New pathway to polyketides in plants

Article Abstract:

The range of secondary metabolism processes in plants is huge and the reasons for this diversity is difficult to analyse because many of the biosynthetic enzymes involved are unknown. A key enzyme in the plant Gerbera hybrida has been identified that is involved in the biosynthesis of compounds which help provide insect and pathogen resistance. Details of the study are presented.

Genetic aspects, Identification and classification, Biosynthesis, Plant metabolites, Daisies

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