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Science 13 July 2001:
Vol. 293. no. 5528, pp. 290 - 293
DOI: 10.1126/science.1059593
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Reports

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

James G. Metz,1* Paul Roessler,2dagger Daniel Facciotti,2dagger Charlene Levering,2 Franziska Dittrich,2 Michael Lassner,2dagger Ray Valentine,2 Kathryn Lardizabal,2 Frederic Domergue,3 Akiko Yamada,4dagger Kazunaga Yazawa,4dagger Vic Knauf,2dagger John Browse3*

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.

1 Omega Tech, 4909 Nautilus Court North, Boulder, CO 80301-3242, USA.
2 Monsanto, 1920 Fifth Street, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
3 Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-6340, USA.
4 Sagami Chemical Research Center, 4-4-1 Nishi-Ohnuma, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 229, Japan.
*   To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: jmetz{at}omegadha.com (J.G.M.); jab{at}wsu.edu (J. B.)

dagger    For the present addresses of these authors, contact J.G.M.

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