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A type III PKS makes the DIFference

Differentiation-inducing factor 1 is a modified polyketide natural product involved in the differentiation of Dictyostelium discoideum cells. A new study shows that a type III polyketide synthase existing in an unusual association with type I fatty acid synthase domains is responsible for biosynthesis of this signaling compound.

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Figure 1: DIF-1 synthesis in D. discoideum.

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Sankaranarayanan, R. A type III PKS makes the DIFference. Nat Chem Biol 2, 451–452 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/nchembio0906-451

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