Unraveling polyketide synthesis in members of the genus Aspergillus

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2010 May;86(6):1719-36. doi: 10.1007/s00253-010-2525-3. Epub 2010 Apr 2.

Abstract

Aspergillus species have the ability to produce a wide range of secondary metabolites including polyketides that are generated by multi-domain polyketide synthases (PKSs). Recent biochemical studies using dissected single or multiple domains from PKSs have provided deep insight into how these PKSs control the structural outcome. Moreover, the recent genome sequencing of several species has greatly facilitated the understanding of the biosynthetic pathways for these secondary metabolites. In this review, we will highlight the current knowledge regarding polyketide biosynthesis in Aspergillus based on the domain architecture of non-reducing, highly reducing, and partially reducing PKSs, and PKS-non-ribosomal peptide synthetases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aspergillus / enzymology
  • Aspergillus / genetics
  • Aspergillus / metabolism*
  • Base Sequence
  • Biosynthetic Pathways
  • Hydrocarbons / metabolism*
  • Lovastatin / biosynthesis
  • Mycotoxins / biosynthesis*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Pigments, Biological
  • Polyketide Synthases / chemistry*
  • Polyketide Synthases / genetics
  • Polyketide Synthases / metabolism*
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary

Substances

  • Hydrocarbons
  • Mycotoxins
  • Pigments, Biological
  • Polyketide Synthases
  • Lovastatin