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Updated: Sep 10, 2025

From a Natural Product to Its Biosynthetic Gene Cluster: A Demonstration Using Polyketomycin from Streptomyces diastatochromogenes Tü6028
Published on: January 13, 2017
Isolation, biosynthesis, and biological activity of pradimicins from actinomycetes
Yuhua Guo1, Fulai Yu1, Gang Li2
1Tropical Crops Genetic Resources Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China; Key Laboratory of Biology and Cultivation of Herb Medicine (Haikou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou 571101, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Crops Germplasm Resources Genetic Improvement and Innovation of Hainan Province, Haikou 571101, China; National Key Laboratory for Tropical Crop Breeding, Sanya 572024, China.
Abstract:
Pradimicins are a class of angular polycyclic compounds characterized by a benzo[α]naphthacenequinone core substituted with a d-amino acid and a hexose sugar. Since their discovery in 1988, approximately 51 pradimicin analogs have been identified from natural sources. These compounds are biosynthesized by type II polyketide synthases and exhibit a wide range of biological activities. Herein, we systematically examine recent advances in the isolation, biosynthesis, biological activities, and mechanisms of action of pradimicins. Notably, we highlight their potent antifungal activity and unique, fungi-specific mechanism involving cell-wall targeting. This comprehensive overview aims to enhance understanding of the structure, function, and potential applications of pradimicins.
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