Rules for the manipulation of polyketides
Article Abstract:
The secondary metabolites such as erythromycin, tetracyclines, avermectins and anthracyclines are synthesized by manipulation of polyketide chains such as those of the bacterium streptomyces coelicolor. In the aromatic polyketide synthases containing separate proteins the active sites are used for the functional group manipulation of the polyketides. Various polyketides are constructed by differing the number of acyl moieties, enzyme-mediated reduction, dehydration, cyclization and aromatization.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1995
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Nature's anticancer agents
Article Abstract:
The laboratory synthesis of a natural anti-tumor agent may lead to advances in cancer treatment. Four compounds have been isolated from bacteria which have anti-tumor activity. These are metabolized into forms which abstract hydrogen atoms from the DNA sugar-phosphate helixes. The reaction is similar to that of the Bergman reaction described in 1972. The recent synthesis of calicheamicin gamma-1 should provide the means to research this rich area.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1993
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Myxobacterial bounty
Article Abstract:
Epothilone A, a compound derived from the myxobacterium 'Sorangium cellulosum,' has been touted to be 2,000-5,000 times more effective than the cytotoxic drug, taxol, against some drug-resistant cancer cells. It is also 30 times more water soluble than taxol. Unlike taxol, epothilone A is readily available through fermentation technology. Both epothilone A and taxol inhibit cell division in vitro by stabilizing microtubule assemblies.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1997
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Understanding the acid behavior of zeolites from theory and experiment. How green was my ester
- Abstracts: Genetic organization of a chimpanzee lentivirus related to HIV-1. One on one meets two
- Abstracts: Equality for the sexes? Called to account. Avian flu: Are we ready
- Abstracts: Spectral breaks for theorists. Ignition of X-ray flares. Receding from our grasp
- Abstracts: Structure of the UmuD' protein and its regulation in response to DNA damage. Structure of a C-type mannose-binding protein complexed with an oligosaccharide