Polyketide

Polyketide is a class of secondary metabolites produced by certain living organisms. Polyketides are synthesized by the polymerization of acetyl and propionyl subunits by a process that is similar to fatty acid synthesis.

Overview

Polyketides are a large family of naturally occurring molecules that have diverse structures and functions. They are produced by bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals. They have a wide range of biological activities and pharmacological properties, including antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, immunosuppressive, and cholesterol-lowering activities.

Biosynthesis

Polyketides are synthesized by polyketide synthases (PKSs), which are large multi-enzyme complexes. PKSs are classified into three types: type I, type II, and type III. Type I PKSs are large, multifunctional proteins that contain all of the enzymatic activities necessary for polyketide biosynthesis in a single polypeptide chain. Type II PKSs are composed of separate, monofunctional proteins that each perform one step in the biosynthesis process. Type III PKSs are homodimeric proteins that can use a variety of coenzyme A-linked extender units to synthesize a diverse array of polyketides.

Biological significance

Polyketides have a wide range of biological activities and are used as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and veterinary drugs. They are also important research tools in cell biology and biochemistry. Some well-known polyketides include the antibiotic erythromycin, the cholesterol-lowering drug lovastatin, and the anticancer drug doxorubicin.

See also

• Nonribosomal peptide
• Terpenoid
• Natural product

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