title: A fine balancing act of type III polyketide synthase.
abstract: In this issue of Chemistry & Biology, a novel Aldol-Switch mechanism is proposed for the biosynthesis of type III polyketides, which include many antioxidants found in colorful fruits. Based on structural and mutagenesis studies, the Aldol-Switch mechanism suggests that electronic effects balance between two competing cyclization specificities in Type III polyketide synthases. A novel hypothesis is also used to explain stilbenecarboxylate biosynthesis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
authors.forename: Shiou-Chuan
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Tsai
mesh_terms: D000217:Acyltransferases / Q000378:metabolism*; D047188:Chalcones / Q000378:metabolism; D000077185:Resveratrol; D013267:Stilbenes / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D047188:Chalcones; D013267:Stilbenes; D000217:Acyltransferases; C020141:flavanone synthetase; D000077185:Resveratrol