Production of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids by Polyketide Synthases in Both Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes

2001/07/13 by James G. Metz, Paul G. Roessler, Daniel Facciotti +10 · 1 voice · 3 citations
Medicine · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Chemistry · #Microbial Natural Products and Biosynthesis #Genomics and Phylogenetic Studies #Carbohydrate Chemistry and Synthesis

paper · doi:10.1126/science.1059593

openalex publication_date 2001/07/13 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31

Abstract

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential membrane components in higher eukaryotes and are the precursors of many lipid-derived signaling molecules. Here, pathways for PUFA synthesis are described that do not require desaturation and elongation of saturated fatty acids. These pathways are catalyzed by polyketide synthases (PKSs) that are distinct from previously recognized PKSs in both structure and mechanism. Generation of cis double bonds probably involves position-specific isomerases; such enzymes might be useful in the production of new families of antibiotics. It is likely that PUFA synthesis in cold marine ecosystems is accomplished in part by these PKS enzymes.

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Discussions

• Metz, James G., Paul Roessler, Daniel Facciotti, et al. 2001. “Production of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids by Polyketide Synthases in Both Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes.” Science 293 (5528): 290–93. doi.or [bsky, 0 points, 1 comments]