Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 19, 2026

From a Natural Product to Its Biosynthetic Gene Cluster: A Demonstration Using Polyketomycin from Streptomyces diastatochromogenes Tü6028
Published on: January 13, 2017
Exploiting the Biosynthetic Potential of Type III Polyketide Synthases
Yan Ping Lim1,2, Maybelle K Go3,4, Wen Shan Yew5,6
1Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 8 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597, Singapore. bchlimy@nus.edu.sg.
This review explores type III polyketide synthases (PKSs), enzymes crucial for creating diverse polyketides. Engineering these PKSs offers a pathway to novel compounds for drug discovery.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Enzyme Engineering
Background:
- Polyketides are diverse secondary metabolites synthesized by polyketide synthases (PKSs).
- Type III PKSs, including plant chalcone synthase, are key enzymes in this pathway.
- Recent advances enable engineering PKSs for novel compound production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review insights into type III PKSs, from discovery to modern applications.
- To highlight the potential of PKSs in generating natural product libraries.
- To emphasize their role in developing new therapeutic agents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on type III PKSs.
- Analysis of engineering and structural characterization research.
- Survey of PKS discoveries in plants, bacteria, and fungi.
Main Results:
- At least 15 families of type III PKSs have been identified and characterized.
- Engineered PKSs can serve as biocatalysts for producing optimized polyketides.
- These polyketides show promise as potential drug leads.
Conclusions:
- Type III PKSs are versatile biocatalysts with significant potential.
- Their characterization and engineering are vital for drug discovery.
- PKS-derived natural product libraries are crucial for therapeutic development.
More Related Videos
07:59A Customizable Approach for the Enzymatic Production and Purification of Diterpenoid Natural Products
Published on: October 4, 2019
10:41The Logic, Experimental Steps, and Potential of Heterologous Natural Product Biosynthesis Featuring the Complex Antibiotic Erythromycin A Produced Through E. coli
Published on: January 13, 2013
Related Concept Videos
Biosynthesis in Bacteria
Production of Pharmaceuticals
Amino Acid Biosynthetic Pathways
Bioreactor Controls-III
Peptidoglycan Synthesis
Biosynthesis of Polysaccharides