We set out to explore how far fatty acid synthases (FAS) can be repurposed for reactions unrelated to natural fatty-acid production. So, Felix, Nadja and Caro investigated whether FAS could produce styrylpyrones, precursor molecules for compounds such as kavalactones, which have anxiety-reducing effects. They succeeded with only a few modifications: altering the ketosynthase subunit to accept cinnamic acid as a starter and removing a section of the enzyme unnecessary for the desired non-reductive extension. Just two changes were enough to open an entirely new reaction pathway.
See link: https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202511726
Congratulations to Felix, Nadja and Caro! 🎉👏