Polyketide synthases (PKSs) are large (Mr 100- to 10,000-kDa) multienzyme systems that are responsible for the stepwise biosynthesis of extraordinarily complex natural products from simple 2-, 3-, and 4-carbon building blocks such as acetyl-CoA, propionyl-CoA, butyryl-CoA, and their activated derivatives, malonyl-, methylmalonyl-, and ethylmalonyl-CoA. These polyketide natural products are known to possess a wealth of pharmacologically important activities, including antimicrobial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antitumor, and immunosuppressive properties.

Biosynthesis of type II polyketide backbone References