Molecular Basis of Cytochalasan Biosynthesis in Fungi: Gene Cluster Analysis and Evidence for the Involvement of a PKS-NRPS Hybrid Synthase by RNA Silencing

• DOI: 10.1021/ja072884t
• Publication Date: 2007-07-18T11:11:42Z
• Authors: Julia Schümann; Christian Hertweck
• Keywords: Gene cluster

Analysis of the first gene cluster encoding cytochalasan biosynthesis and targeted RNA silencing in Penicillium expansum revealed that these complex tricyclic natural products are assembled by a fungal PKS-NRPS hybrid synthase, CheA. A biosynthetic Diels−Alder macrocyclization can be rationalized on basis deduced enzyme functions.