Molecular basis for the biosynthetic divergence of anthracyclines kosinostatin and chartreusin

Key Points

• This study aims to explore the molecular mechanisms that differentiate the biosynthesis of kosinostatin and chartreusin.
• Identified key amino acid residues in the ChaU enzyme
• Analyzed the enzymatic function of ChaU as a hydratase and 8-hydroxylase
• Conducted biochemical assays to assess enzyme activity
• Demonstrated that a two-amino acid switch influences the activity of ChaU
• Showed that ChaU can function either as a hydratase or an 8-hydroxylase, depending on the amino acid configuration
• Revealed distinct biosynthetic pathways for kosinostatin and chartreusin based on enzymatic activity