Polyketide (PK)
a class of natural products derived from a precursor molecule consisting of a chain of alternating ketone(or reduced forms of a ketone) and methylene groups
How is the natural product of the class categorized ?
NP is divided depending on biological function and, biosynthetic pathway or source
>> Primary metabolite and Secondary metabolite
Primary metabolite: organic molecules that have intrinsic function for organism’s survival.
ex) Core building block molecules: Nucleic aicds, amino acids, sugars and fatty acids (-> DNA, RNA, proteins , carbohydrates, and lipids: major marcromolecuels-> sustaining life)
Secondary metabolite: Organic molecules that have an impact on different organisms(extrinsic function)
Not essential for survival, but huge role to win the competition in the environment
ex) pheromones, siderophores, alkaloids, phenylpropanoides, and polyketide
(Therefore, a natural product in pharmacy usually mean Secondary NP.)
PK is one representative example of seconday metabolite
Examples of PK: Erythromycin (Antibiotic), spinosad (insecticide), curcumin etc
PK could be also divided by a structure.
Aromatics, Macrolactones / macrolides, dealin ring containing polyether and polyenes.
Aromatics - Organic compounds with aromatic rings (ex. Benzene)
Macroclide - macrocyclic lactone ring + one or more deoxy sugars may be attached (usually cladinose and desosamine) (Macrocyclic: ring of 12 or more atoms.) (ex. Rapamycin, Azithromycin etc)
Decalin - bicyclo decane (the compound consisted of two rings and 10 carbons)