Work

Molecular basis of pigment structural diversity in echinoderms

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: . We show that CrPKS produces 14-carbon aromatic pigment precursors. Despite making a compound previously found in fungi, the crinoid enzyme operates by different biochemical principles, helping to explain the diverse animal PKSs found throughout the metazoan (animal) kingdom. Unlike SpPks1 from sea urchins that had strict starter unit selectivity, CrPKS also incorporated starter units butyryl- or ethylmalonyl-CoA to synthesize a crinoid pigment precursor with a saturated side chain. By performing biochemical experiments, we show how changes in the echinoderm pigment biosynthetic enzymes unveil the vast variety of colors found in animals today.

Source: iScience

DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110834

Authors: Feng Li, Zhenjian Lin, Eric W. Schmidt

Institution: University of Utah

Language: English

Topic: Microbial Natural Products and Biosynthesis

Subfield: Pharmacology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,150

Funders: National Science Foundation, Division of Chemistry