An Unconventional Melanin Biosynthesis Pathway in Ustilago maydis
Esmeralda Z. Reyes-Fernández, Yi‐Ming Shi, Peter Grün, Helge B. Bode, Michael Bölker
Abstract
to protect itself against harsh environments, such as the synthesis of melanin, could provide improved biological tools for tackling the problem and protect the crops. In addition, the fact that this fungus synthesizes melanin in an unconventional way, requiring more than one polyketide synthase for producing melanin precursors, gives a different perspective on the complexity of these multidomain enzymes and their evolution in the fungal kingdom.
Topics & Concepts
UstilagoFungusMelaninBiologySmutBotanyMicrobiologyBiochemistryGenePlant Gene Expression AnalysisPlant-Microbe Interactions and ImmunityFungal and yeast genetics research