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Cover Feature: Heterologous Expression of an Unusual Ketosynthase, SxtA, Leads to Production of Saxitoxin Intermediates in Escherichia coli (5/2021)

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: Saxitoxins are neurotoxic alkaloids produced by cyanobacteria and dinoflagellates. Due to their antagonism of voltage-gated sodium channels, they are desirable candidates for drug development as anaesthetics and muscle relaxants. We describe the heterologous expression and biochemical characterization of the first enzyme in the saxitoxin pathway, SxtA, in E. coli. This unusual polyketide synthase-like enzyme is able to condense multiple acid-CoA substrates with arginine and could potentially be exploited for the production of novel compounds of biomedical value. More information can be found in the communication by R. Kellmann, B. Neilan et al. Credits: Bloom photo courtesy of Dr. Nick Crosbie, Melbourne Water. Syringe image by Jupiter Images (sourced through Canva Pro).

Source: ChemBioChem

DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100062

Authors: Angela H. Soeriyadi, Rabia Mazmouz, Russell Pickford, Bakir Al‐Sinawi, Ralf Kellmann, Leanne A. Pearson, Brett A. Neilan

Institutions: UNSW Sydney, University of Bergen, University of Newcastle Australia

Language: English

Topic: Microbial Natural Products and Biosynthesis

Subfield: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: bronze

OpenAlex ID: W3134095083

FWCI:

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