First in vitro directed biosynthesis of new compounds by a minimal type II polyketide synthase: evidence for the mechanism of chain length determination.

ABSTRACT

The minimal actinorhodin polyketide synthase bearing two point mutations (KSbeta Q161A, ACP C17S) was chemically modified to carry novel C4 to C8 starter units on the ACP on incubation with an excess of malonyl CoA new 16-carbon polyketides are made, supporting a measuring mechanism.