Genetic control of polyketide biosynthesis in the genusStreptomyces

Abstract
The genetic control of polyketide metabolite biosynthesis inStreptomyces sp. producing actinorhodin, daunorubicin, erythromycin, spiramycin, tetracenomycin and tylosin is reviewed. Several examples of positively-acting transcriptional regulators of polyketide metabolism are known, including some two-component sensor kinase-response regulator systems. Translational and posttranslational control mechanisms are only briefly mentioned since very little is known about either of these processes. Examples of how enzyme levels and substrate supply affect polyketide metabolism also are discussed.