Biosynthesis of Novel Statins by Combining Heterologous Genes from Xylaria and Aspergillus

ACS Synth Biol. 2018 Dec 21;7(12):2783-2789. doi: 10.1021/acssynbio.8b00392. Epub 2018 Nov 13.

Abstract

For many secondary metabolites, heterologous synthesis is the definitive step to determine their required biosynthetic genes. Using a multivector expression system in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we reconstituted not only two natural statins from two fungal species, i.e., lovastatin from Aspergillus terreus and FR901512 from Xylaria grammica, but also new statin structures by mixing their genes. Combinatorial gene exchange experiments revealed the functional promiscuity of two polyketide synthases in A. terreus, lovB, and lovF; they could synthesize FR901512 with Xylaria genes. Key structure determinants of statins are essential accessory genes that are irreplaceable across species.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aspergillus / genetics*
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / analysis
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / metabolism*
  • Lovastatin / analysis
  • Lovastatin / biosynthesis
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Plasmids / genetics
  • Plasmids / metabolism
  • Polyketide Synthases / genetics
  • Xylariales / genetics*

Substances

  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Polyketide Synthases
  • Lovastatin