Why a potential anti-cancer agent stalled in trials: New enzyme insights may boost yield and purity

Researchers at the University of Bayreuth have, for the first time, deciphered key steps in the biosynthetic mechanism of the potential anti-cancer agent fostriecin. The team led by Prof. Dr. Frank Hahn has succeeded in producing all enzymes involved in the process in the laboratory and examining them individually under controlled conditions. In the long term, the findings may pave the way for more efficient production of the compound and open up new avenues in cancer therapy. The researchers have published their findings in Nature Communications.