Biosynthetic pathways in fungi

Gene Clusters and the Regulation of Biosynthetic Pathways in Fungi... 

Triterpenoid saponins are synthesized via the isoprenoid pathway.4 The first committed step in triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis involves the cyclization of 2,3-oxidosqualene to one of a number of different potential products (Fig. 5.1).4,8 Most plant triterpenoid saponins are derived from oleanane or dammarane skeletons although lupanes are also common 4 This cyclization event forms a branchpoint with the sterol biosynthetic pathway in which 2,3-oxidosqualene is cyclized to cycloartenol in plants, or to lanosterol in animals and fungi. 

Skatrud P L (1992). Genetic engineering of P-lactam antibiotic biosynthetic pathways in filamentous fungi. TIBTECH 10 324-329. 

Hajjaj, H. et al.. The biosynthetic pathway of citrinin in the filamentous fungi Monascus ruber as revealed by C-NMR, Appl. Env. Microbiol, 65, 311, 1999. Hajjaj, H. et al.. Medium-chain fatty acids affect citrinin production in the filamentous fungus Monascus ruber, Appl. Env. Microbiol, 66, 1120, 2000. 

---