Biosynthesis of Enediyne Antitumor Antibiotics

Title: Biosynthesis of Enediyne Antitumor Antibiotics

Volume: 8 Issue: 6

Author(s): Steven G. Van Lanen and Ben Shen

Affiliation:

Keywords: Anticancer antibiotic, biosynthesis, C-1027, enediynes, maduropeptin, neocarzinostatin, polyketide synthase

Abstract: The enediyne polyketides are secondary metabolites isolated from a variety of Actinomycetes. All members share very potent anticancer and antibiotic activity, and prospects for the clinical application of the enediynes has been validated with the recent marketing of two enediyne derivatives as anticancer agents. The biosynthesis of these compounds is of interest because of the numerous structural features that are unique to the enediyne family. The gene cluster for five enediynes has now been cloned and sequenced, providing the foundation to understand natures means to biosynthesize such complex, exotic molecules. Presented here is a review of the current progress in delineating the biosynthesis of the enediynes with an emphasis on the model enediyne, C-1027.

Cite this article as:

Van Lanen G. Steven and Shen Ben, Biosynthesis of Enediyne Antitumor Antibiotics, Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry 2008; 8 (6) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/156802608783955656