Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 10, 2026

Automatic Identification of Dendritic Branches and their Orientation
Published on: September 17, 2021
Chemoenzymatic Dissection of Polyketide β-Branching in the Bryostatin Pathway
Samuel T Slocum1, Andrew N Lowell2, Ashootosh Tripathi2
1Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Life Sciences Institute, Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
Abstract:
β-Branching is an expansion upon canonical polyketide synthase extension that allows for the installation of diverse chemical moieties in several natural products. Several of these moieties are unique among natural products, including the two vinyl methylesters found in the core structure of bryostatins. This family of molecules is derived from an obligate bacterial symbiont of a sessile marine bryozoan, Bugula neritina. Within this family, bryostatin 1 has been investigated as an anticancer, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory compound. We have turned to the biosynthetic gene cluster within the bacterial symbiont to investigate the biosynthesis of bryostatins. Recent sequencing efforts resulted in the annotation of two missing genes: bryT and bryU. Using novel chemoenzymatic techniques, we have validated these as the missing enoyl-CoA hydratase and donor acyl carrier protein, essential components of the β-branching cassette of the bryostatin pathway. Together, this cassette installs the vinyl methylester moieties essential to the activity of bryostatins.
More Related Videos
11:06Live Cell Imaging of the TGF- β/Smad3 Signaling Pathway In Vitro and In Vivo Using an Adenovirus Reporter System
Published on: July 30, 2018
14:28Utilizing Combined Methodologies to Define the Role of Plasma Membrane Delivery During Axon Branching and Neuronal Morphogenesis
Published on: March 16, 2016
Related Concept Videos
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
C4 Pathway and CAM
C4 Pathway
The C4 pathway is used by plants such as...
Mass Spectrometry: Branched Alkane Fragmentation
Generation of Straight or Branched Actin Filaments
Arp2/3 Complex
Arp2/3 complex is a seven-subunit complex consisting of two proteins similar to actin- Arp2 and Arp3, and five other subunits that help keep Arp2 and Arp3 inactive. When required, the complex is...
Other Glycolytic Pathways
Respiration Pathways