Polyketide biosynthesis in dinoflagellates: what makes it different?

Covering: up to 2013 Dinoflagellates produce unique polyketides characterized by their size and complexity. The biosynthesis of a limited number of such metabolites has been reported, with studies largely hampered by the low yield of compounds and the severe scrambling of label in the isotopically-labeled precursors. Nonetheless, of the successful biosynthetic experiments that have been reported, many surprising and unique processes have been discovered. This knowledge has been accessed through a series of biochemical labeling studies, and while limited molecular genetic data has been amassed, it is still in the early stages of development. In an attempt to meet this challenge, this review has compared some of the biosynthetic processes with similar ones identified in other microbes such as bacteria and myxobacteria, with the idea that similar genes and enzymes are employed by dinoflagellates. Isotope labeling studies of dinoflagellate metabolites have revealed many surprising biosynthetic steps. With limited molecular data available, this review compares some of these processes with similar ones identified in bacteria and myxobacteria, with the view that such processes may be employed by dinoflagellates.