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A fine balancing act of type III polyketide synthase
1Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
Chemistry & Biology
|September 24, 2004
Abstract:
In this issue of Chemistry & Biology, a novel Aldol-Switch mechanism is proposed for the biosynthesis of type III polyketides, which include many antioxidants found in colorful fruits. Based on structural and mutagenesis studies, the Aldol-Switch mechanism suggests that electronic effects balance between two competing cyclization specificities in Type III polyketide synthases. A novel hypothesis is also used to explain stilbenecarboxylate biosynthesis.