Linking a polyketide synthase gene cluster to 6-pentyl-alpha-pyrone, a Trichoderma metabolite with diverse bioactivities.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Members of the fungal genus Trichoderma are well-known for their mycoparasitic and plant protecting activities, rendering them important biocontrol agents. One of the most significant specialized metabolites (SMs) produced by various Trichoderma species is the unsaturated lactone 6-pentyl-alpha-pyrone (6-PP). Although first identified more than 50 years ago and having pronounced antifungal and plant growth-promoting properties, the biosynthetic pathway of 6-PP still remains unresolved.

Results

Here, we demonstrate that 6-PP is biosynthesized via the polyketide biosynthesis pathway. We identified Pks1, an iterative type I polyketide synthase, as crucial for its biosynthesis in Trichoderma atroviride, a species recognized for its prominent 6-PP production abilities.

SUBMITTER: Flatschacher D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12010586 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature