A new role for polyketides

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

107 Scopus citations

Abstract

A toxic determinant of the human skin disease the Buruli ulcer, which is caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, has been identified for the first time as containing two polyketides. The novel structures of these twelve-membered macrolides (one of which is shown) reveal an unusual biosynthesis, in which two type 1 polyketide synthases (PKS) have to be involved. There is also evidence that the polyketide toxin might represent the first of a family of virulence factors associated with other mycobacterial diseases, such as leprosy and tuberculosis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2847-2849
Number of pages3
JournalAngewandte Chemie - International Edition
Volume39
Issue number16
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 18 2000

Keywords

  • Biosynthesis
  • Macrolides
  • Natural products
  • Polyketides
  • Toxins

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Catalysis
  • General Chemistry

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