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Published on: January 16, 2016
An evolutionary model encompassing substrate specificity and reactivity of type I polyketide synthase thioesterases
Taylor P A Hari1, Puneet Labana, Meaghan Boileau
1Departments of Chemistry and Biology, Centre for Catalysis Research and Innovation, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5 (Canada).
Bacterial thioesterases (TEs) can produce diverse polyketides, including macrodiolides. Evolution favors TEs that enhance beneficial metabolites, driving diversity in drug discovery.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Evolutionary Biology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Bacterial polyketides are crucial for pharmaceuticals, but their biosynthetic pathways and evolutionary drivers remain incompletely understood.
- Thioesterases (TEs) are key enzymes in polyketide biosynthesis, catalyzing macrocyclization reactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biochemical basis of thioesterase (TE) activity in bacterial polyketide biosynthesis.
- To explore the evolutionary mechanisms driving the diversity of polyketide products, particularly macrodiolides.
Main Methods:
- Biochemical characterization of a specific thioesterase (TE) involved in 6-deoxyerythronolide macrocyclization.
- Phylogenetic analysis of TE enzymes.
Main Results:
- A minor substrate modification significantly increased product diversity, enabling macrodiolide formation.
- Phylogenetic analysis revealed convergent evolution in macrodiolide-forming TEs.
Conclusions:
- TEs exhibit inherent non-selectivity, producing various metabolites.
- Environmental pressures drive TE evolution to favor specific, fitness-enhancing metabolites, explaining polyketide diversity.
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