Polyketide synthases (PKS) produce an array of natural products with different biological activities and pharmacological properties by varying the starter and extender molecules that form the final polyketide. Recent studies of the simplest PKS, the chalcone synthase (CHS)-like enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of flavonoids, anthocyanin pigments, and antimicrobial phytoalexins, have yielded insight on the molecular basis of this biosynthetic versatility. Understanding the structure–function relationship in these PKS provides a foundation for manipulating polyketide formation and suggests strategies for further increasing the scope of polyketide biosynthetic diversity. Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology (2001) 27, 393–398.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received 14 June 2001/ Accepted in revised form 15 July 2001
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Jez, J., Ferrer, JL., Bowman, M. et al. Structure and mechanism of chalcone synthase-like polyketide synthases. J Ind Microbiol Biotech 27, 393–398 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jim.7000188
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jim.7000188