Exploiting marine actinomycete biosynthetic pathways for drug discovery

Bradley S. Moore*, John A. Kalaitzis, Longkuan Xiang

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

42 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Drug discovery relies on the generation of large numbers of structurally diverse compounds from which a potential candidate can be identified. To this end, actinomycetes have often been exploited because of their ability to biosynthesize an impressive array of novel metabolites particularly polyketides. The genetic organization of polyketide synthases (PKSs) makes them readily amenable to manipulation, and thus re-engineering artificial or hybrid PKSs to produce unnatural natural products is a reality. This review highlights two approaches we have used to generate novel polyketides by manipulating genes responsible for starter unit biosynthesis in the 'Streptomyces maritimus' enterocin type II PKS. Our preliminary investigation into the biosynthesis of neomarinone, a rare marine actinomycete-derived meroterpenoid, is also presented.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)49-57
Number of pages9
JournalAntonie van Leeuwenhoek, International Journal of General and Molecular Microbiology
Volume87
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2005
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Biosynthesis
  • Enterocin
  • Marine natural products
  • Meroterpenoid
  • Polyketide synthase
  • Streptomyces

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